Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) has completed the removal and replacement of light poles in eight of 11 parks across the city. of light poles across 11 city parks. The final three parks will be completed by the end of summer 2024 with work at Mt. Tabor Park beginning next week. Lighting in the final two parks, Lair Hill Park and Ladds Circle Park, will follow Mt. Tabor Park. PP&R will update the light pole project website as needed.
The project to remove and replace poles is necessary as the older structures were up to a century old.
The new LED lights are 66% more efficient than the bulbs they’re replacing. The fixtures will be Dark Sky-friendly and fully shielded to prevent skyward “spill.” Light will be directed toward park pathways, lessening the impact to neighboring homes. The new light poles and fixtures were selected to replicate the previous ones as closely as possible, and the lights will be automatically programmed to remain on from dusk to dawn.
Some parks had additional lights installed to enhance brightness and visibility. And in other parks, fewer lights are required because the new ones offer better coverage than the ones that were removed.
New lights are in place at these eight parks, in order of completion:
- Colonel Summers Park
- Sellwood Riverfront Park
- Irving Park
- Sellwood Park
- Montavilla Park
- Mt. Scott Park
- Wallace Park
- Woodstock Park
Work at Mt. Tabor Park is expected to begin May 6th, 2024. The park’s required Historic Resources Review has been completed, approved, and finalized. Depending on weather, materials, capacity, and other factors, it’s possible that work may continue into July, but every effort will be made to complete the work as quickly as possible. The contractor is looking into the possibility of installing temporary park lights during the project.
During construction efforts, trucks and equipment may temporarily be on paved park paths or in some cases, the project may completely close off paths during work hours. Park visitors may need to move off the path or take a detour to avoid construction work and obstacles. Mt. Tabor Park will be darker than usual during construction.
For information on the Light Pole Safety project, please visit www.portland.gov/lightproject
Source: Portland Parks and Rec