Local sports groups get green light for field drainage work and LED light poles

Local sports organizers told Strafford County Commissioners Nov. 20 they plan to install two deep French drains at the football field, regrade portions of the parking area and upgrade the electrical service to support six LED poles (three per side). The commission gave permission to proceed, with a request that lighting be configured to avoid spillover to neighboring properties.

Matt Keane, representing football and lacrosse programs, said Eversource would install the poles and the service upgrade would increase capacity "from a 200 amp to a 400 amp" feed to support the LED lights. Keane and other volunteers said portable rental lights used for practices cost roughly $2,000 a month for two units and that installing permanent poles should be cheaper over time; they estimated the Eversource project would likely cost under $20,000.

Keane described a chronic drainage problem that left part of the west end zone with standing water for about six weeks last season. The proposed remedy is to put French drains in both corners and tie into existing storm drainage where feasible; county maintenance staff agreed to coordinate locations and review ties to the courthouse drainage system to shorten run length.

Commissioners expressed no objection but emphasized limits on light spill and neighbor impacts; staff will coordinate final plans with the maintenance director and Eversource as designs are drawn.