The Lights at the End of the Tunnel

This past Monday, July 18, the Borough Engineering office completed site testing for the field lights, which were installed at Lieder Field.  As the testing of the light ordinance specifications concluded, it marked the end of a five year quest, but also the start of a new beginning within our community; the ability to have safer conditions for evening activities, and the opportunity to further leverage the only synthetic turf field we have within New Providence.

The road traveled to this point began back in 2007 when the Borough of New Providence released a study called the Recreation Master Plan (RMP).  For those not familiar, the study detailed current field conditions, usage, and number of residents participating in organized recreation programs.  The recommendations made were to add 5 synthetic turf fields or 3 synthetic fields with lights in order to accommodate the degrading conditions, poor drainage and inability to sustain natural grass given the heavy usage.  While the Borough released these recommendations, the RMP stopped well short of implementation due to a lack of identified funds to complete any of them.

The New Providence Athletic Foundation (NPAF) was formed and presented a plan to raise money to install Field Turf and Musco Field Lighting on Lieder and West Field at New Providence High School.  The NPAF consisted of volunteer stakeholders who represented the various recreation, booster and music interests of the community.  The plan was ambitious, their passion was unyielding, and their vision was complete.  Even though fund-raising to pay for this entire project fell well short of the original scope, it is difficult to imagine where we’d be without the turf at Lieder Field.       

As with any new concept or change proposed within our community, field lighting became somewhat of a controversial issue.  Lighting was believed to extend the use of the only synthetic turf field within the Borough, but met opposition from the surrounding neighborhood who were concerned about “light spillage”; the amount of light which would be visible or shining upon their homes.  By working with the Borough Council, a Lighting Ordinance was passed in December of 2008 based upon the specifications outlined by the neighbors creating a standard for spillage at 0.1FC (foot candles) at the residential property line.  This specification assures that field lighting is focused “on the field and not on people’s homes”.  The testing completed this past Monday has validated the technical conformity of the light ordinance at Lieder Field.

While the ordinance was a critical step toward this project’s success, funding remained as the primary obstacle.  The NPAF collaborated with the member organizations of the newly formed New Providence Partnership for Recreation (consisting of PAL, NP Soccer Club, NP Men’s Soccer Club, Chiefs and Rebels Lacrosse programs) to develop a collaborative and creative funding model.  The NPPR was able to combine fund-raising efforts to leverage and obtain a matching KRTF Grant through the Community Activities & Advisory Board (CAAB) application with Union County.  In addition, the NPAF approached the Borough Finance Committee about a plan to pay for the remaining amount of the project on an annual basis and was able to secure the remaining financing necessary.  The result was a project funded without impact to school or municipal budgets or New Providence taxpayer dollars.  

So here we are in July of 2011.  The light poles are in place and they look great.  The light is focused on the field, allowing for safer evening practices and games.  But perhaps the happiest of the benefactors is our award winning marching band from NPHS.  The opportunity for them not to have to play over the noise of portable diesel generators will allow them to practice and play the notes as they were written.  But to see the 50 some odd children running around in wonderment this past Monday night, left the members of the NPPR admiring the result.  The thanks was paid with the smiles of happy kids.

As I’ve written here in my Patch Blog, ”it really does take a village” and this project is the epitome of the proverb.  With this successful result, another step in the Recreation Master Plan was achieved thanks largely to a cooperative and collaborative effort within the volunteer leadership ranks of the athletic organizations, and the government and educational entities of New Providence.  What made this project successful was that the team was a genius.

The lights are on, but the story doesn’t end there.  More than 2,500 kids use Lieder Field every year… your children are surely among them.  We are dependent on your generosity to help pay for these improvements.  If you would like to contribute and show your appreciation, you may download the flyer from www.newprovaf.org or donate on-line through the website.

Implementing elements of the Recreation Master Plan provides long lasting sustainable benefits to our community, increases the value of our homes, and improves the outlook for our most treasured assets... the children of New Providence.  Take the time to appreciate the Lieder complex, what it’s meant to your children and our community at large, and look forward with great anticipation of attending the first evening events at Lieder Field this fall.