Mitchell Park West Neighbors

Tyler, I am glad you posted your comment..This is the type of information I am trying to get out about light and what is appropriate light. 

Please read the brochure at http://docs.darksky.org/docs/ida_safety_brochure.pdf.  One of the headings reads "Brighter" does not mean "Safer".  

"Light for the sake of light does not equal safety. Bright, glaring lights that illuminate some nighttime events and locations can diminish ambiance, but did you know that they can decrease security as well? Overly bright lighting creates a sharp contrast between light and darkness, making the places outside the area of illumination nearby impossible to see. Bad lighting can even attract criminals by creating deep shadows that offer concealment."

The brochure by Internation Dark Sky Organization I refer to above is based on information from CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). 

I guess if we thought the more light we have will make for more security then I suppose we could install 100 ft poles around the park and the place would definitely be full of light. 

I was over at the park last night about 8:30 pm and stepped off how far the light extended brightly to the south and onto the soccer field. I stepped off 150 ft. to the soccer posts and found the light bright enough I would be able to sit there and read easily if I so desired.  

Looks like at a time we are experiencing a struggling economy, trying to conserve energy and reduce waste, we should be thinking about driving a "Prius" yet  the city of Tempe has given us a "Hummer".

I encourage everyone to attend the meeting June 3 at the Multi - Gen Center at 6:30 pm so we can discuss and find a better solution to lighting the Basketball Court.

Mac McGinn 

"Tyler Durden", What Mac as stated is very true. Anyone who has sat around a campfire at night or gone hiking with a flashlight knows that bright light creates darker surroundings.

The city has made a decision about what it thinks is best for us without asking US. This is a dangerous trend... what if the city starts making other decisions for us based on security, or "standards"? What if the city decides that the best thing for us is to remove basketball courts from parks altogether? Wouldn't you feel slighted because you had no chance to give your opinion? Just because the city made a decision that you benefit from doesn't mean that they should be given this authority for all decisions. Before you know it, the city could decide that skateboards or BMX bikes are no longer allowed in the parks. Do they derserve the authority to make such decisions without asking the people first?

Be careful what you wish for. As far as they are concerned...

"We are all part of the same compost heap." ~Tyler Durden (Fight Club)

Scott

I hate to be shallow, as this is a very important thread on this forum, but....isn't it fun to try to figure out who the people are who "hide" their identities here, never signing their names, etc.?  

It's almost too easy though.  What you say is what you are---for the most part.

Pat

You are not being shallow in the least Pat.  Tyler Durden is a fictional character, not a real neighbor of ours.  If Jack, or whoever the real person is has the courage to look us in the eye, that would be far preferable.

Ira