Blog

Aug 21, 2023

New LED Lighting System Upgrades Complete At Sokol Park

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Let there be light! Click here to subscribe to our free daily

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Let there be light!

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA) this week turned on its new LED lighting system at Sokol Park, made possible by funding from the Tuscaloosa County Commission allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds.

As Patch previously reported last year, the Commission approved two separate payouts totaling $1.5 million to fund the new lighting upgrades after the lights were damaged in a storm, resulting in the entire system being shut down more than five years ago.

The new lighting will now illuminate six baseball/softball fields and one one soccer field. The previous lighting system was roughly 30 years old, making repairs less practical than a wholesale replacement of the system with new-age LED lighting that PARA officials say would provide a better product and a worthwhile longterm investment.

"This is a project that has been needed for a long time," District 1 Commissioner Stan Acker told Patch. "The Sokol fields are used by so many people from all over our County and of course from both the cities of Tuscaloosa and Northport. I certainly appreciate the support of my fellow County Commissioners to get the lighting replaced here as in time for the Spring and Summer leagues. I also appreciate the support of our partners at the City of Tuscaloosa who are also investing significant funds into Sokol park for road and parking lot improvements at the current time as well."

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at [email protected]