Huntsville General Committee defers decision about $70,000 cost for lighting upgrades

Lighting upgrades for a ball diamond at McCulley-Robertson Park were under consideration by councilors

Huntsville General Committee deferred the decision about the $70,000 cost for lighting upgrades for Diamond F at McCulley-Robertson Park, in the February 25, 2026, meeting.

Last month staff reported that the improvement recommendations followed a photometric study that identified safety and accessibility concerns in non-playing areas of the baseball facility.

The study, completed in October 2025 at the direction of the Town of the Committee, confirmed that existing lighting meets required standards for the in-play area of Diamond F. However, it also found that areas outside the field of play — including behind the backstop, along foul lines, and around the perimeter — are not sufficiently illuminated during evening use.

As a result, staff recommended installing two new concrete light poles behind the backstop, along with additional floodlights mounted to existing poles near first base, third base, and the dugout areas, which they consider the most comprehensive solution for improving visibility throughout both playing and non-playing spaces.

They estimated the capital cost for the proposed lighting improvements at $70,000.

Committee agreed to defer the motion at that time so they can have a chance to view the images for a better idea of what’s being proposed.

Today, they had a lengthy debate which included feeling like their “back is against the wall” regarding being torn between different feedback related to the study, liability risks, and cost.

Councillor, Helena Renwick, said “I’m really on the fence with this one. I just struggle with the fact that we have spent too much money on these fields.”

She added, “Are we being forced to add more lighting there because of a potential insurance issue?” And referenced the situation as feeling forced “with a gun to our head.”

Director of Community Services, Simone Babineau, said that if they didn’t upgrade the lighting, they wouldn’t allow use of the Diamond after dusk.

Deputy Mayor, Dan Armour, inquired about whether there are other options “than spending $70,000.”

Councillor, Cory Clarke, said, he supports improving the foul lines, however, “I’m not going to support another unbudgeted request.”

Armour initially suggested amending the request in favour of coming up with other options for the concrete poles, however, after a discussion during a brief break they realized they “can light it up with $26,000 versus $70,000.” So, he felt it worth having staff return with more options, with an emphasis on not having to install concrete poles which is a large portion of the cost.

Councillor, Jason FitzGerald, mentioned wood versus concrete poles instead for savings. He said, “I’d just like to see the two cost breakdown.”

Councillor, Scott Morrison, expressed the importance of the lighting. He said, “I’m shocked we’re arguing about $26,000 to fix the ball diamonds. I’m just shocked that we’re having this discussion.”

Majority of Committee, other than Morrison and Alcock, voted in favour of Armour’s request for the deferral, and staff will return next month with alternative solutions and costs for additional lighting the Diamond.