County seeks state funding for Dunmore Missy League field lighting project

Lackawanna County seeks state funding on behalf of the Dunmore Missy League for a softball field lighting project at Sherwood Park in the borough.

Commissioners ratified Tuesday a grant application seeking more than $190,000 through the state's Greenways, Trails and Recreation program for the project to light the park's currently unlit second field. If awarded, that grant would complement nearly $30,000 in previously awarded state Local Share Account funding officials would use as a match for the lighting project.

Lighting the field will allow the girls youth softball league to increase its number of games and practices and bolster its ability to attract local and other tournaments that could generate revenue, according to a project narrative. It also will make for a safer playing environment.

"With this field being unlit and the growing number of players registering for our league each year it puts a strain on us to have enough available field times for all of the teams to practice and play," the narrative notes. "Adding the lighting will not only allow us more practice and playing time ... but allow us to increase the use of our fields by outside organizations and other and different sports teams."

State Rep. Kyle Mullins, D-112, Blakely requested the county assist the Dunmore Missy League with the grant application, county officials noted in a legislative cover sheet.

The county would receive a 2% fee for administering the grant funding.

If funding is approved this fall, officials expect the lighting project to be completed by the end of next spring.

"(We) would start work as soon as the vendor could start the project," the narrative says.