Tatlock Complex Plan For Use Of New Lights Introduced In Summit

SUMMIT, NJ — Rules for using the new Tatlock Sports Complex field lights were presented on Tuesday night at the Summit Common Council meeting.

Councilmembers voted 5-1 on the introduction of Ordinance 12294 that outlines details strictly around the approved times and other operational elements of the lights. Additional measures, such as safety concerns in the parking lots during night games, will be outlined in at least one new resolution as early as the next meeting, Councilmember Bob Pawlowski said.

"This is a long-awaited ordinance. We have spent lots of time speaking with residents in various settings...to try and come up with the lighting usage plan," Pawlowski added.

The lights, scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2026, will be used by both youth and high school sports teams under a variety of parameters. Games and practices will be treated differently, along with added caveats to the periods when they may be turned on.

Youth Sports

Practices and games must end no later than 9:00 p.m. In the event of injuries, rain delays, or other similar situations, lights may stay on.

They will be shut off 15 minutes after the conclusion of all events.

High School Sports

High school practices will continue to be scheduled during the day unless outside elements like heat-related concerns force coaches to move the session to the evening.

Practices must end no later than 9 p.m., with the lights then turning off 15 minutes afterwards.

Games must also end no later than 9 p.m., but lights will remain on for an additional 30 minutes for varsity teams. The lights will go off 15 minutes after the conclusion of junior varsity and other level events.

Playoff games are not bound by these rules.

Usage Calendar

Up to 10 games will be scheduled across all of Summit High School's sports teams during the school year. This does not include games that run late from earlier start times.

No practices or games will be scheduled from the Tuesday after Memorial Day through the Thursday after Labor Day unless an outside influence, like weather, moves an event.

No practices or games will be scheduled from Dec. 15 until the last day in February, whenever that falls each year.

The Road To Lights At Tatlock Sports Complex

On Oct. 7, a $1.2 million contract for lights at Upper Tatlock and Investors Bank Fields was approved after long being the subject of scrutiny for its potential impact on the neighborhood.

After a near-unanimous vote, Musco Sports Lighting LLC was awarded the project by Common Council. While benefitting the flexibility of scheduling and safety for the many athletic programs that use the facilities, the plan continues to have its naysayers.

At the center of the concerns are the high-powered lights remaining on and the noise created by games that may extend into the late hours of the night. "Many of the concerns of the concerns we've heard extend beyond lighting, and we remain fully committed to continuing the dialogue and resolving those issues that matter to our neighbors," added Councilmember Kevin Smallwood.

Also coming into question is the methods in which the project is being funded. In early September, Common Council approved a $500,000 anonymous donation made through the Summit Foundation.

The next hearing on the light usage parameters is scheduled for Dec. 16.

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