Lynnwood City Council on Oct. 13 authorized a contract with Musco Sports Lighting LLC to replace existing light fixtures at Meadowdale play fields with new LED systems, including associated improvements and a 10% contingency.

Council members said the upgrade is aimed at reducing energy costs, extending usable field hours for tournaments and youth sports, and cutting long-term maintenance burdens.

Councilmember Escamilla moved to authorize the mayor to execute the contract; the motion was seconded and approved by the council.

Staff told the council the contract is being procured through the KCDA cooperative, a cooperative purchasing vehicle that provides preauthorized pricing. Council and staff said the contract includes a standard contingency equal to 10% of the contract amount to cover unexpected change orders such as replacing an unanticipated damaged light pole.

In presentations to the council, staff cited a 2023 Snohomish County report showing Meadowdale’s economic impact: more than 150,000 visitors generating roughly $30 million in economic activity and approximately 1,000 hotel room bookings in Lynnwood in the referenced year. Staff estimated LED lights can reduce energy costs for field lighting by about 60%, and that improved lighting could increase field usability by a range staff described as roughly 30%–85% and attendance by up to 40% in favorable circumstances. The city expects to pursue a Public Utility District (PUD) energy rebate that staff estimated could be up to $60,000 for the proposed lighting equipment.

Councilmember Hurst, who said he has past experience with sports lighting, praised Musco as a reliable vendor and supported the contract. Councilmembers emphasized that the Meadowdale fields are a revenue-generating asset for the city and noted that replacing the aging fixtures -- a project deferred since 2017 -- will also reduce rental of heavy equipment and significant downtime for tournaments.

Staff also noted the project includes a maintenance agreement that would cover fixtures for an extended period (staff described maintenance coverage of roughly a 10-year horizon), reducing future interim rental and downtime costs.

The motion carried on an affirmative council vote.