Public Works Director Louren Kotow said the new LED lights are much more efficient and cost-effective.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Lighting is everything.

The famous quote is accurate for many: painters, directors, and tennis and pickleball players.

The Dixon City Council approved an additional $24,000 to efficiently light up the new tennis courts, which are coming soon.

In May, the Independent Voice reported on the contract awarded to Biondi Paving Inc., the lowest bidder at $624,000, which was bumped up $11,000 more due to increased material costs and project delays.

Staff reports claiming financial discretion from May to September call Biondi Paving Inc., “the lowest responsive and responsible bidder,” at $635,016.

According to the May staff report, the project included reconstructing the sub-base, building a new multi-layer base and finishing the courts with a new acrylic coating system.

It also detailed upgrading existing lights to LEDs to allow center-court lighting for optimal night play.

“The project is currently underway and nearing completion,” the staff report reads, adding, “Staff is requesting approval of a change order to address unforeseen obstacles and light timer upgrades.”

“This is an addition of $24,347 as $3,500 was transferred from the General Fund,” Dixon Public Works Director Louren Kotow said.

However, according to Kotow and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the payoff is worth it.

“LED lights are more energy efficient, have a longer lifespan and better light quality,” Kotow said.

The Department of Energy encourages indoor and outdoor LED lighting, reporting multiple billions in savings.

“The outdoor sector has seen greater LED adoption in nearly every application than the indoor sector, contributing 40% of the total energy savings from LED lighting in 2018,” the Department of Energy reports. “Utilizing the most efficient LEDs in all applications would amount to over a quad of annual energy savings in the outdoor sector alone, equivalent to about 9% of commercial building electricity use in 2018.”

Kotow also noted LED efficiency and economics.

“The lights will be controlled by push buttons that will allow people to light each court individually for a set amount of time,” Kotow said. “This will be more energy efficient and reduce electricity costs.”

Kotow pointed out that the Hall Park tennis courts are exclusive in the City of Dixon's park system since “individuals and organized groups often use them for tennis and pickleball.”

“It is important to provide lights at the tennis courts so they can be utilized year-round,” Kotow said. “The tennis courts provide a free recreational space for physical exercise and community activities. Local tennis and pickleball groups utilize this space for group recreation.”

By reservation only, the city already provides the Salaber All-Weather Synthetic Play Field and the Jim B. Stevens Arena, offering indoor soccer and volleyball. Up to five other parks in the system provide outdoor eating, par course stations, and playground equipment, and are accessible to all.

The public works director said, “pending any unforeseen circumstances, the tennis courts are scheduled to reopen in October.”