Although the installation of the new six-lane, all-weather track had not begun as of Monday afternoon, work did begin on the initial phases of the $270,000 lighting project at Wayne Jamison Field.

 

The work, according to Assistant Superintendent of Harrison County Schools Anthony Fratto was to begin yesterday and that’s exactly what happened. Electrical contractors were on hand at Jamison Field to begin the initial phases of the work.

 

“This project could take up to 10 days,” said Fratto. “Weather, of course, is a factor and this is a little bit of a complicated project on a few fronts, but that could be what we’re looking at here.”

 

Earlier this month, Musco Lighting out of Idaho had the new light poles delivered. There will be four new light poles put in place and four existing poles removed. Currently, there are six light poles up and two of the poles that will remain will be cut in half to allow for the sound system to remain in place.

 

“There will be less lights, but the new poles will provide more illumination than what already exists,” said Fratto.

 

The new light poles will be 70 feet high. And they will also be programmed through a computer, said Fratto, to help with the efficiency. He said he believed the same lighting systems are in place at Lincoln and Liberty High School.

 

Bridgeport Parks and Recreation utilizes a similar system at the Rec Complex. P&R Director Don Burton has said the Musco system is impressive.

 

On Monday, workers with F.K. Everest Electrical Contractors out of Marion County were doing work on the site. Along with work on the poles in questions, a large hole for the first new pole to be placed was being dug with the necessary infrastructure being done inside.

 

Previously, Harrison County Schools Clerk of the Works Neil Quinn also said the new system, which uses less lights and provides more lighting, is more of a green system.

 

“It’s an eco-friendly system because you need less light and since you’re using less light it reduces the cost … With this system, all of the light is focused on the playing field with little, or any, going into the sky and very little focused in on the bleachers.”

 

BHS Principal Mark DeFazio said he believed the poles to be at least 25 years or older. Because of the work on them, and the upcoming work on the track, Jamison Field remains closed to the public. Access to the field for the baseball fields can still be gained by going across the pedestrian bridge from Bridgeport City Park.