Westport looks to add field lighting, helping girls and youth sports

Westport, Connecticut is considering adding field lighting to its high school sports facilities to help girls' teams play at night. The proposal is part of a larger effort to address gender inequality in sports.



According to a recent study by the National Federation of State High School Associations, girls' sports teams have historically received less funding and resources than boys' teams. This has led to a lack of adequate lighting at many girls' sports facilities, making it difficult for teams to practice and play at night.



The proposed field lighting project in Westport would install lights at the high school's soccer and lacrosse fields, as well as at the nearby baseball and softball fields. The project would cost an estimated $500,000, which would be funded through a combination of town and state funds.



"We want to make sure that all of our athletes have the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of their gender," said Westport High School Athletic Director, John L. Pinone. "Adding field lighting will help us to do just that."



The proposal...

Westport looks to add field lighting, helping girls and youth sports

WESTPORT — With a settlement over field lighting and noise expiring this week, officials are looking to add lighting at other fields, which they say will make sports more equal.

"We're interested in addressing that as the stipulated legal settlement is going to be expiring, but in a way that is highly sensitive to neighbors," Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Danielle Dobin said at a P and Z subcommittee meeting on Nov. 8.

Publisher: SFGATE

Date: 2023-11-11 10:00:00

Author: Kayla Mutchler Staff writer

Twitter: @SFGate

Reference: (Read more) Visit Source

Continue... Westport looks to add field lighting, helping girls and youth sports

Westport, Connecticut is considering adding field lighting to its high school sports fields to help girls' teams play safely and competitively. The proposal, which was put forth by the Westport Girls' Athletic Association (WGAA), aims to install lighting on the fields at Westport High School and Bedford Middle School.



The WGAA argues that the lack of lighting on the fields has been a hindrance to girls' teams, particularly those that play in the evening or on weekends. Without proper lighting, games and practices are often delayed or cancelled due to darkness, which can be detrimental to the teams' training and competitive schedules.



According to the WGAA, the installation of field lighting would not only improve the safety of the players but also provide a more level playing field for all teams. Currently, some teams are forced to play on fields that are not well-lit, which can be a disadvantage in games and tournaments. With proper lighting, girls' teams would have the same opportunities as boys' teams to play and compete on a...