The Coolidge City Council unanimously approved a $29,958 contract with Fonroche Lighting America on October 27, 2025, to install solar lighting at North Park. The Coolidge North Park solar lighting project will provide illumination to the facility, commonly known as Old Little League Park, while adding security features to the neighborhood park.
The purchase was not originally budgeted but will be funded using savings from other city projects.
Serving Younger Players at the Old Little League Park
Community Services Director Ricky LaPaglia explained to the council that North Park serves younger age groups in Coolidge’s youth sports programs. Older youth require larger facilities and practice at Kenilworth Sports Complex.
LaPaglia told the council the new solar lights would provide an additional practice facility for games and training. Mayor Jon Thomson recalled coaching football and soccer at the field years ago, noting the facility has served the community’s youngest athletes for decades.
Solar Technology Eliminates Electrical Infrastructure
Councilmember Tom Bagnall praised the solar approach during discussion, noting the technology “eliminates having to put electrical wires in poles and connecting them and everything.” He called the proposal with its eight-year warranty “a very good deal.”
The 25-foot poles will have four feet below ground, with solar collectors on top and lighting fixtures below. Bagnall raised concerns about the lower height compared to traditional stadium lights, but LaPaglia clarified the lights are designed for practice rather than competitive games.
Dual Purpose: Practice Field and Security
LaPaglia emphasized the lights serve two functions beyond game use. “These lights aren’t designed to where we would play games like we do out at the sports complex. It’s more suitable for practice,” he said.
The lighting system will feature programmable dimming to balance athletic use with security needs. LaPaglia said the lights can be programmed to operate at 90 to 100 percent output from dusk until 9 p.m. They will then automatically reduce to roughly 20 percent brightness overnight until dawn for security purposes.
Addressing Crime Prevention Through Lighting
LaPaglia connected the project to broader safety goals in Coolidge parks. “Lighting does deter vandalism and some nefarious things,” he told the council, adding that “it’s killing two birds with one stone given another practice field and adding some security lights to a park that probably needs it.”
LaPaglia said neighbors he speaks with “would be happy with some security lighting at night.”
Accommodating Residential Concerns
Council discussion addressed the park’s proximity to nearby homes. Bagnall wondered about potential disturbances to residents, particularly with basketball courts also receiving illumination.
LaPaglia assured the council the lights could be adjusted if needed. “We could lower them at 9:00 to where the neighbors wouldn’t be too concerned about how late people are out there,” he said. He noted that while parks officially may close at 10 p.m., Kenilworth lights typically shut off at 9 p.m. unless special events are scheduled.
LaPaglia said installation could cost roughly $8,500 to $9,000 if contracted out. He indicated the city would need to finalize those details and potentially seek council approval depending on the amount. Public works staff would observe the installation process to learn how to handle future projects in-house. LaPaglia indicated the city might add similar lighting to other Coolidge parks if the North Park installation proves successful.
