Upper St. Clair Organizations Ask for Lighting on Township Sport Fields

The Miracle League of the South Hills and the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association asked the Upper St. Clair Board of Commissioners to consider adding permanent and temporary lighting to a number of athletic fields around the township.

"Lights at our field aren't a luxury, but a necessity," said Maura Rodgers, executive director of the Miracle League of the South Hills. 

A number of the players in the league developed for children with special needs are allergic to the sun or can't play in the summer heat, and therefore the league is hoping to add weeknight games.

Rodgers also told the commissioners weeknight games are necessary because the league is rapidly growing. More than 200 players have signed up for the league's second season. 

Casey's Clubhouse, the fundraising organization behind the South Hills league, would cover the cost of the lights, according to Rodgers.

The Miracle Field is located in Upper St. Clair's Boyce Mayview Park.

Upper St. Clair Athletic Association is also running into lighting issues. 

Tom Burke, of the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association, asked the commissioners Monday night to consider putting permanent lighting at the athletic fields in Boyce Mayview Park due to the signigicant growth is athletic participation. He said the association would be willing to make a contribution toward the cost of the lighting. 

President of the board Bob Orchowski requested seeing a "needs assessment" from the association when they finish gathering the data. 

"In order to get maximum use of the complex, I say lights are necessary," said vice president of the board Russell Del Re.

In the meantime, Burke requested the township allow short-term, portable lighting at the fields in Boyce Mayview Park, Marmion and Baker. The lights would be in use from about 6 to 8 p.m. for six weeks in October and November so that the football teams would be able to practice outside after the time change.

The portable lights would be paid for by donations.

Commissioners are expected to vote on the portable lights usage by the end of June.