The Ridgeland Tennis Center will have new lighting on their courts later this year after the city received a grant, which covers the cost of half of the project.
Ridgeland’s Director of Recreation and Parks John Sidney North said the current light fixtures are original to when the tennis center opened in 1992.
“We are proposing to change the metal halide lights to LED lighting, which will be more energy efficient and better lighting,” North said.
While North didn’t know specifically how much money this lighting upgrade would save the city, he said it will be a modernization of the lighting system as LED lights tend to last longer, use less energy and are a better product overall.
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen approved last week to advertise the project for bids this month – moving the project forward. The bid opening is scheduled for February 21 at 2 p.m. with the results and a recommendation for awarding the contract to be presented at the March 7th board meeting.
The project includes replacing the lighting system on all 17 courts at the tennis center and installing new lighting equipment onto the existing structures utilizing existing foundations, poles, underground supply wiring and control system cabinets. While the city hopes to update the lighting systems in other recreational areas and ballfields in Ridgeland, North said there are no immediate plans for it right now.
“One of the reasons we were able to do this is we applied and received a grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund to help the city do the lights to replace the lighting at the tennis center,” North said.
The total estimated cost for the project is $200,000 – half of the funds for this will come from a grant agreement with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks - Land and Water Conservation Fund.
North said it will likely be towards the end of summer when the project is completed with it taking 10 to 12 weeks to receive the product and then the contracted 150 working days.
“I would guess maybe by the end of August, the project should be done,” North said. “I think by making this move to LED lighting, we’re keeping up with the changes going on in the state and in the region. Most of your athletic facilities are all going to LED lighting. They’re easier and more cost efficient to maintain and run. You’re saving money, and you’re saving power and energy.”
