Sports Fields

In our cores there are sports fields that belong to third parties or to the municipality. Sometimes they are smaller sports fields, sometimes somewhat larger. The number of sports facilities varies by core. Sports fields are located in open countryside, but also in the middle of forests. Lighting on sports fields can be seen from far away. Some of this lighting belongs to the municipality.

Light nuisance

Because field lighting is bright, it can cause light pollution. By properly aiming a fixture, there is less light spill into the surrounding area. Newer fixtures often have better reflectors, making it easier to direct the light where it is needed. When replacing the lamp, the position of the reflector sometimes changes and the light is no longer properly directed. This causes more nuisance than necessary, which is annoying for the surrounding area and the athletes on het veld. Dark spots or patches may appear on het veld.

An illuminated sports field in the evening.
Photo: Bocholtsestraatweg Aalten. The lighting is visible from afar.

Led

LED lighting on the sports field has the advantage that it burns instantly. You can turn it on the moment the game is being played. This is unlike conventional lights that have to warm up first. You can also dim LED lighting well. Conventional lights are no longer made, so the switch to LED lighting is necessary.

Parking

Parking is available at all sports fields. Parking lots are often public and then the lighting belongs to the municipality. Sometimes it is not public and then the lighting belongs to the association. The lights in parking lots near sports fields are often on all night even though there is no car there. Sometimes the grounds are also locked after practice.

parking lot at soccer club with lighting.
Photo: Europaweg Dinxperlo. Parking lot at the soccer club with lighting, even when no one is playing sports and the parking lot is closed off with a fence.

Laws and regulations

The Activities Decree states that the lights on the fields must be off at 11 p.m.

Awareness

It is important for sports associations to be aware of possible light emissions and energy consumption. Our advice is:

  • Turn on lights only on the fields where training is taking place.
  • Dim the lights when an athletic field has no game but only training.
  • Turn off the light after playing.
  • Do not change a bulb yourself and have bulbs checked regularly for proper adjustment.

This is how we do it from now on

  • Where necessary, municipal field lighting is properly adjusted to avoid unnecessary light pollution.
  • Municipal field lighting will be replaced with LED lighting as soon as funding is available.
  • Municipal lights in the parking lots near the sports fields are dimmed after 7 p.m. If the parking lot is not used or used very little, the light goes out at 00:00 (after replacement). This is considered on a situation-by-situation basis.
  • We consult with sports clubs whether they also want to dim their lights after 7 p.m. and turn them off at midnight. This way we avoid unnecessary light pollution.