JACKSON, NJ – Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina said new stadium lights have been installed a the Bartley Road softball complex allowing girls to have the same opportunities as boys in the township.
Reina said the plan to install lights was a long one, started years ago and on his list of things to complete sooner than later.
Reina announced today that a new lighting system has been installed at the Bartley Road softball field, which will allow the township to play softball games under the lights for the first time ever. Subject to weather conditions and supply availability, the project is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.
The Bartley field lights bring the total inventory of girls’ softball fields with lighting to three, compared to baseball fields, in which six fields are lit for the boys. The project allows the girls’ softball programs to allow games in the early spring and fall to be completed regardless of sunset times and for summer games to be played in the evenings.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the transformation and continual improvements being made at our athletic complexes,” Mayor Reina said. “Late last year, we completed $2.9 million in improvements at the Justice and Holman Athletic Complexes. And now, thanks to this additional investment in our athletic fields, night games are coming to the softball field at Bartley Road. Our residents will enjoy these improved facilities for many years to come.”
Two 60-foot poles and two 70-foot poles with full LED lighting will be installed at the Bartley Road softball field, which was approved by the township last year for $223,480. Musco Sports Lighting manufactured the lighting system, LLC, Quality Electric of Holmdel, NJ, which provided the township with the lowest bid, performed the installation work on the project. Jackson Township Engineering Department, under the direction of T&M Associates, managed the project.
“Investments like these strengthen our community, our families and our children,” Mayor Reina said. “That’s why we’re especially proud of the comprehensive improvements we’ve made at our athletic complexes.”