Implement proper lighting in public parks around Minnesota

 

The purpose of this bill is to implement proper lighting in Minnesota public parks. Public Parks in Minnesota will now

be required to implement proper lighting around playgrounds and pathways. Technicians will come to the parks to repair

lights as needed, and there will be random inspections to make sure the lighting is adequate and no lights are broken.

This makes sure that there are no safety concerns in parks, and parks will follow the requirements.

 

This bill is needed because there are many threats to safety without proper lighting. Many Parks in Minnesota do not

have proper lights illuminating pathways or playgrounds when it is dark. As it gets dark earlier, kids may be out

playing in the dark. This is very unsafe. Some people just like to walk around parks, but when doing this in the dark,

it is unsafe for a variety of reasons. Without lighting, you can not see hazards on the path that could cause you to

trip, you can not see animals, and you can not see other people. It is extremely important to see others to avoid

potential threats to safety. Even if there are no real threats, people may feel unsafe in the dark, which results in

them not using the park. Without people using the park, crime shows up. From there, it just snowballs. Lights in parks

help avoid so many problems, and there is no reason not to have them.

 

Proper Lighting should be defined as bright lights along pathways, playgrounds, and highly trafficked areas of parks.

Hazards should be defined as any source of potential harm or danger.

 

 

The funding for this bill shall come from the Minnesota State Budget. The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association is

authorized to use its funds to purchase street lights and pay for installation. The average cost for one street light

should not exceed $500, unless changed by the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association due to inflation or product

availability. All funds must be solely for street lights and installation.

 

The Minnesota Recreation and Park Association shall implement proper lighting in parks in a reasonable amount of time.

If they fail to do so, the Minnesota Management and Budget agency shall take whatever actions are necessary to ensure

that the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association implements proper lighting.

 

This bill will go into effect on January 1, 2027