Updated 12/17/24
Why is lighting being requested for Peterson Field?
Lighting was requested to create a safe, well-lit space for youth sports, especially soccer, during early evenings in winter when daylight is limited. The sale of Gisler Middle School resulted in the loss of the community's largest lit field, reducing options for local youth sports. AYSO Region 56, which relied heavily on Gisler’s lights for practices and games, now faces scheduling challenges. Funding secured from the Gisler development will allow lights to be installed at Peterson Field, ensuring youth sports teams can practice and play safely throughout their seasons.
How many students and community members will benefit from the new lighting?
The new lighting will benefit many of the 1,300 players served by AYSO Region 56 each fall and 600 each spring, most of whom are HBCSD students. During the winter months, up to 25 teams—totaling 250-300 children per week—are expected to use the fields for practices. The lights will also support occasional PTA events and evening activities at Peterson Elementary, benefitting the wider school community.
What are the lighting hours, and how will they be managed?
The lights will operate on a timer, typically from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with a hard cut-off at 9:00 PM. AYSO Region 56 practices usually end by 8:30 PM. Lights will remain off if the field is not in use, ensuring no unapproved after-hours operation.
How is this project funded, and will the trust cover the total cost?
Funding primarily comes from a trust held by the City of Huntington Beach, established through the sale of the Gisler Middle School site for HBCSD field improvements. While the trust partially funds the project, any additional costs will be discussed at a future Board meeting.
What are the approved uses for the trust funds?
The trust funds are designated for field improvements within HBCSD, such as lighting upgrades, to support safe and accessible field use.
What will the environmental study include, and how can the community provide input?
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) study will evaluate potential impacts on wildlife, light spillage, traffic, noise, and other factors. The process ensures all effects are mitigated. Community engagement opportunities will be offered during the CEQA process, and updates will be shared on the District’s website.
Will the project affect neighboring homes or wildlife?
The lighting design minimizes spillage into neighboring homes, which will be further studied in the CEQA review. Wildlife and light pollution concerns will also be addressed to ensure compliance with environmental standards.
What lighting products will be used, and how tall will the poles be?
Energy-efficient LED lighting will be installed using three 60-foot poles, providing optimal illumination with minimal energy consumption and environmental impact.
Who will cover increased electricity costs, and will rental fees change?
HBCSD will review the Civic Center Act guidelines and update rental fees to recover energy expenses. Facility rental rates may include lighting-specific charges to offset costs.
Who will have access to Peterson Field once lighting is installed?
The Peterson field will be available for public rental under the Civic Center Act with updated rates. HBCSD activities will be prioritized over external use. AYSO remains the primary outside renter, and subleasing is prohibited.
What is the timeline for the project?
The project begins with the CEQA environmental study, which is expected to take up to a year. Afterward, bidding, procurement, and construction will follow. To minimize school disruptions, the project aims to start in the summer.
What will happen if trees need to be removed for this project?
If tree removal is necessary, the District aims to minimize impact and typically plants two replacement trees for each removed.
Are project renderings or visuals available?
No renderings are available yet, but detailed simulations will be included in the CEQA study. Proposed light pole locations are part of the community presentation.
Will the lighting project funding include improvements to the grass fields at Peterson Elementary to address safety concerns caused by bare dirt areas?
The funding for the lighting project at Peterson does not include field improvements, as the trust needs more resources to cover both the lighting and field improvements. If the lighting project does not move forward, those funds could be redirected to field upgrades. The District is already working on both short-term fixes and long-term plans to improve fields at Peterson and other sites. For example, the District aerated the fields at Peterson and other sites over the Thanksgiving break.
What would be the difference for the project to obtain CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) approval through an IS/MND (Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration) over an EIR (Environmental Impact Report)?
An IS/MND is a faster and less expensive process than an EIR, which is important for the limited funding for the project. The IS/MND evaluates potential environmental impacts. The district can proceed with a Negative or Mitigated Negative Declaration if no significant impacts are found or can be mitigated. This streamlined process avoids the time-consuming and costly requirements of an EIR, making it ideal for projects with minimal or manageable environmental effects, as studied per CEQA.
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