Upper St. Clair Group Concerned About Pollution Athletic Field Lighting Could Create

There is currently no lighting at the Boyce Mayview athletic fields or the Miracle Field in Upper St. Clair, and that's the way the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship would like to keep it.

The Upper St. Clair Athletic Association and the Miracle League of the South Hills are both requesting permission for short-term temporary lighting and long-term permanent lighting at the Boyce Mayview athletic fields, which include two regular baseball fields, a multi-purpose field used for football, soccer and lacrosse, and the Miracle Field.

Association and league officials say the lighting is necessary due to an increase in participation. The lights would allow for games to be played after sunset, which is especially needed after the fall time change, according to the officials.

However, Annette Shimer, of the USC CLS, thinks the lights would only benefit a fraction of the community. 

"People who are concerned about natural areas, wildlife and preserving these resources for the enjoyment of all, have problems with lighting fields in the middle of a large natural area which is by and far the largest such area in the township and the immediate area," Shimer said during Monday's Upper St. Clair commissioners meeting.

She cited a 2010 study about athletic field lights and the light pollution they can create. Shimer said glare can be a safety hazard.

Shimer said USC CLS is also concerned about the capital costs and on-going operational costs of the lights that would affect taxpayers. 

"If the fields are lighted, we urge you to consider this amenity as we do other sports amenities in the ttownship such as the tennis bubbles. Those who benefit from them pay for the capital cost of providing the lights and the operating costs for using them," Shimer said.

"We suggest using the same technology that the City of Pittsburgh uses on its parking meters: provide for a credit card payment system at the field. The user would be able to buy increments of lighting needed for the game. Such a system is more likely to result in minimal use of the lights," she continued.

The athletic association is expected to provide commissioners with a field usage study at the next regular meeting on July 1. Shimer asked that the commissioners instead use the results from the township's comprehensive study that now under way.

Commissioners may take action on the field lights proposal at the July 1 meeting. Those who would like to share their opinion on the lights are asked to attend the meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the municipal building.