Council Airs Plan to Light Ball Fields

The prospect of night softball at Niguel Hills Middle School drew a crowd of opponents and supporters to this week’s City Council meeting.

About 75 people jammed City Hall, many of them young softball players and their parents. Several residents also showed up to voice concerns about the potential for traffic jams in streets near the school.

With 450 players, the Laguna Niguel Girls Softball League plays on four fields at the middle school. Organizers say another 150 girls are expected to join in the next few years, creating a great need for more space.

Adding 12 lights to allow night play “would turn four fields into eight,” league President Gary Roney said. “The growth of our league has been incredible.”

The city is considering whether to pick up the $170,000 tab for installing four light poles that would be 60 feet tall and another eight 80-foot poles.

Many residents said they fear that night games would turn their streets into parking lots.

“When there are night events at the school, we can’t find a place for our guests to park,” said Rodney Buckmaster, who said he has come home to find vehicles blocking his driveway.

Council members indicated that a vote on the issue could be scheduled for July 2.