If the weather was nice, perhaps there would be a bit of a fuss with those that utilize Bridgeport City Park. Since the weather isn’t good enough to do much beyond walking the trail system, upgrades for the heavily utilized city venue that are currently taking place are causing much of an interruption.

 

Work that has been planned since November is finally moving forward even with the recent cold temperatures. And that work is on a near $300,000 project for new lights at City Park.

 

The $282,485 project being handled by F.K. Everest is moving ahead at the moment despite the recent poor weather. Subcontractors for F.K. Everest have been handling the trenching work that has taken place and will continue to take place.

 

“Anywhere electrical lines will go from a light pole to a transformer and ultimately to the electrical components powering them you will see trenching being done,” said Burton. “Everything is being done underground.”

 

While the construction activity has been strong in the last few days, it should pick up even more this coming week. Burton said major work – weather permitting – will begin to get the lights in place.

 

“We hope to bring in the rigs that will drill the holes for the foundations, the crane needed to lift the poles and the trucks that will be used for the concrete,” said Burton.

 

Not all the work is being contracted out. As the city often does to save money on projects, work that can be handled by Parks and Recreation staff is also under way. Burton said an addition is being made to the electrical board that houses the components for the existing lighting and other electrical items at the park.

 

“We’re probably looking at three or four more weeks of work,” said Burton. “Even though we’re working through some really cold temperatures, we’ve had some major issues with weather that has continually forced it back since we had hoped to start last year.”

 

 

Once the project is complete, a total of seven light poles will be installed. Four poles will be utilized on the multi-purpose football field and the remainder on the softball complex.

 

The go-ahead to provide the funds that were necessary to complete the job was given in 2014 by Bridgeport City Council. The cost of the new lights portion of the project will run $269,685. As part of the project, $12,800 will be spent to upgrade existing lights at the Little League baseball field and the main soccer field.

 

It should be noted that the poles are not small in nature. Burton said the poles vary in size from between 70 feet and 80 feet.

 

The poles will also host differing numbers of light fixtures. The poles on the football field will feature 28 lights, while the poles for the softball field will feature 13 light fixtures. Musco Lighting provided the lights.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the trenching work being done, while Parks and Recreation staff handle the new electrical board work below.