Update / Follow-up on the news

Citing a lack of sports fields for the city’s youngsters, the City Council this week approved a controversial proposal to add lights for the softball diamonds at Niguel Hills Middle School.

In front of an audience that packed City Hall, the council voted 4 to 1 to proceed with the proposal, which had raised concerns among residents near the school.

“We’re looking in the future at turning kids away from sports,” Councilman Mark Goodman said.

The council approved the installation of 20 light poles up to 60 feet high on four softball diamonds used by the Laguna Niguel Girls Softball League, adding a condition that all games and practices end by 9:30 p.m.

Some residents have argued to the council that the glare from night lighting would drive them indoors and increase traffic, leading to parking problems and a decrease in property values.

“Nobody argues about the value of providing athletic facilities” to children, said William Wood, who lives near Niguel Hills Middle School. “But for those who must bear the burden” of night lights, he said, “the cost is much higher.”

But the parents’ viewpoint prevailed after they pointed out that league enrollment is booming, meaning that playing spaces and times are filled.

“See the world through the eyes of our young girls,” parent Henry Duchene urged the council. “You are the only hope for these 600 athletes” in the softball league.