Over the past few years, there has been an ongoing discussion about whether lights should be installed at Kehler Stadium to create more time slots for evening activities. While many people support this idea, many residents living near the stadium have raised many different types of concerns about the lights, making it very challenging to move forward with the installation.
Students at Edison Intermediate School (EIS) have highlighted several benefits of installing lights at Kehler. Eighth grader Charlie Singer shared, “I think they should add lights to Kehler because there will be fun night games, and you can play at night with your friends.”
This would benefit a lot of kids who want to play football in their free time because instead of sitting inside all day on their phones, watching TV, or playing video games they could be outside getting good exercise in when it’s dark out.
Also, adding lights would offer kids more very fun opportunities to enjoy night time activities at Kehler, including hanging out with friends and playing sports. Seventh grader Gavin Welsh agreed, saying, “I think adding lights to Kehler would be really fun because the football team could have Friday night light games.”
Having lights at Kehler could also save families the trouble of driving to faraway Friday night games. Instead, local games could be held at Kehler, making it easier for students and families to attend. Another common concern raised by students is the limited time available for practice. Eighth grader Alex Natt commented, “I think they should add lights to Kehler because there would be more time slots for teams to practice.”
Sixth grader Maria Popescu added, “I think they should add lights because it would give more time to practice on your own schedule.”
Lights would make it easier for kids to practice sports regularly without competing for field time during the day or trying to find availability when teams aren’t using the field.
Some students also noted the aesthetic appeal of evening games. Eighth-grader Josh Rodriguez remarked, “I would like lights at Kehler because the lights would look cooler at night than during a day game.”
While most students support the idea of installing lights, some opposition comes from adults in the community. EIS health teacher Mrs. Patricia Kelly voiced concerns: “I think the lights are too bright for the people who live around the stadium. Having bright stadium lights on until 10 or 11 p.m. is just too late.”
Although installing lights at Kehler would offer many benefits, Mrs. Kelly raises a valid point about the potential disturbance to neighbors. Bright lights shining into homes late at night could disrupt residents’ routines and sleep.
Despite opposition from some residents, the neighborhood should consider the significant benefits lights would bring to student-athletes, especially during shorter daylight hours in the winter. Balancing the needs of students and the concerns of neighbors will be key to resolving this debate.
