City staff applied for and was awarded a $300,000 grant. With this grant, the City has completed several projects that are beneficial to the City and the residents who participate in the Parks and Recreation programs the City offers.
The largest and most significant project is the retrofitting of existing park lights to energy efficient, LED fixtures. The basketball, tennis, soccer, and baseball field lights have all been converted to LED fixtures. Based on estimates from the manufacturer, there should be a 60% reduction in energy usage as a result of the retrofit. This will directly result in a cost savings to the department, which can be used to increase funding for other Parks and Recreation programs in the future. In addition, these improvements will reduce the City’s carbon footprint.
Two electronic partitions have been installed at Albert O. Little Community Center. These panels are used daily to provide various room configurations, dividing the space and accommodating multiple classes and meetings held simultaneously within the community center. These floor-to-ceiling partitions offer more efficient sound proofing panels, are more aesthetically pleasing, and functional.
The City replaced fencing surrounding the baseball fields at Artesia Park, including the pee wee game and practice fields. In addition to replacing many areas of bowed out fencing, a mid-rail was added on a significant portion of the field fencing to deter pitching or batting practice to occur on the perimeter fencing in the future. The fencing on the tennis and soccer rink will also be completed during spring break (April 17-21, 2017). Staff is in the process of planning fencing repairs at AJ Padelford Park.