Sorry to be writing so much, but this is important:  If you have not read through all the documents in the "community pages.....more" section accessible through the Home Page (lower-right section), please do.  Just discovered the committee's letter to the city and Mr. Richwine's response.  It is quite reasonable, and holds out hope that the city will truly work with us on this.  Unfortunately, not sure of the date of it, as not on the document, but hopefully it still represents the city's response to our neighborhood's concerns.

Pat

"Meanwhile, would planting vines that would creep across the chain-link fence help?

"Ikea used to have inexpensive balcony screens of fabric with grommets that I have used in many ways to provide shade or privacy areas.  When my daughter moved their blackberry bushes outside the fence, cutting their height greatly, they restored some privacy with bamboo screen/fencing tied to the 8 foot chainlink fence."

We are considering those sorts of solutions.  The problem is they permanantly cut off our view.  We're not that concerned about privacy, it's the ugly and overbearing intrusion of light at night that destroys the atmosphere in the back yard. We don't like the idea of building a 'fort' and hiding in there.  Unfortunately, we're being painted into that corner.

Thanks for the suggesions!

Bruce

The light fixtures are by 'Kim' Inc or Mfr, (not sure about name other than Kim).  the lamps are 1000w metal halide. it costs about ten cents/kw to run them. i got the mfr/lamp/kw from Bob Pohlit. I got the power rates from city procurement office per direction of city clerk. the rates have a descending cost per quantity, park wide, so it was easiest to just pick an approximate average rate from the 3 tiers.

therefore if on for 3.5 hours a night (7 to 10:30), x 8 fixtures= about $3 a night, x 365 days = about $1000 yr to have them on every night for the full time.

did hear they cost about $15,000 to install?

I walked through the park the other night around 8 pm, a rare night the lights on the BC not turned on at  7 pm. Without the Basketball court lights and with the park lighted with the amber light poles throughout the park I found the park to be quite peaceful and pleasant and filled with people walking there dogs or experiencing the park in many ways. When the basketball court lights were turned it changed the appearance of the park dramatically in my view. 

I love seeing people actively using the park in many ways and that includes seeing folks enjoying playing basketball. 

A couple questions I think need to be asked:

1.  Is the lighting that is now installed at the basketball court appropriate or a proper fit for the basketball court within Mitchell Park.

2.  Is it okay for the enjoyment of a few to allow excessive light to intrude daily on the experience of those living near the park. 

Mac