Petition Launched To Install Lights At Arnold Field

WYNNEWOOD, PA — Adding lights at Lower Merion High School's Arnold Field is the subject of a new petition.

A Change.org petition that is pushing for lights at the field has been circulating the Lower Merion area.

The push comes as the Lower Merion School District looks to change start times at its schools.

In the proposal to shifting start times, the high school start time would be pushed back by 55 minutes, sending high schoolers to class at 8:25 a.m. Details on the proposal to change start times are available here.

"Later start times allow high schoolers with much needed time to recharge," the petition reads. "But it requires a shift in practice and game schedules."

The petitioners also say adding lights would allow for a greater sense of community by hosting occasional night games.

"We recognize this comes with a responsibility to treat the immediate neighborhood with respect," the petition reads. "We view this as an opportunity to support Aces Nation."

As of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, about 450 people have signed the petition, which has a 500 signature goal.

The district has addressed the need for lights at Arnold Field and Lower Merion Township officials are already looking at plans for lights.

"As part of the logistical considerations related to this decision, the District is submitting its Application for Tentative Sketch to Lower Merion Township for a plan to install lights at Lower Merion High School's Arnold Field," the district's website reads. "Lighting the field will be necessary to enable safe after-school games and practices if later start times are implemented. While there are additional logistical constraints to be addressed, lights on Arnold Field are critical."

District, Lower Merion Township, and Narberth Borough officials were to discuss the lights in May.

The Lower Merion Township Planning Commission reviewed a tentative sketch plan for adding lights to the field at its July 6 meeting.

According to the planning commission, the plan includes four new 80-foot light poles along the perimeter of the turf field, as well as 12 new 15-foot high light poles along the path between Montgomery Avenue and the turf field.