Lighting Natividad Park

Natividad Creek Park in Salinas has new lights, but the improvements are coming with a few hiccups. Some of the lights were off Friday forcing some soccer players to rig up their own lights.

“Hopefully we can move away from that so they are no longer utilizing the personal lights,” said Salinas City Councilman, Jose Castaneda.

Castaneda tells KION that the idea behind the new lights is simple, more lights equals more safety.

“We know lighting brings a sense of safety and it brings security as well,” said Castaneda.

Since the lights are so new, Castaneda says there are some timing issues to workout, which could be why only some of the lights were on.

But, Castaneda says once all the lights are on everyone will see a big difference.

“Whether you are a young person in this city or an elderly person, lighting is key,” said Castaneda.

Park pathways, playground areas, basketball courts, soccer fields and the skate parkwill all benefit.

According to Castaneda, new lights are just the beginning. He says people who use the park will start to see many of improvements in the future

“We are looking at restrooms as well as water fountains, signage and more garbage receptacles to replace the ones that have been damaged,” said Castaneda.

The fundingfor these lights is coming from a lighting grant that is part of a city wide plan to fix old lights.

As for why exactly some the lights were off… Castanedasays the City Manager is looking into the issue.