1st phase of Riverview football, baseball field lights project approved

The first phase of the Riverview Raiders field lights project is a “go” after a unanimous council vote Tuesday night.

Oakmont Council approved the geotechnical investigation of the subsurface soil, rock and groundwater surrounding the field where the lights are proposed.

It’s the first step required in the project and will determine whether the light installation can be completed as designed.

According to Borough Manager Scot Fodi, the testing is expected to take about 10 days in Riverside Park, where the Raiders play their home football, soccer and baseball games. Residents will be able to use the park while the investigation is occurring, he said.

The vote comes after council announced sufficient funding had been secured for the project early this month through grants.

Riverside Park is a public space owned by Oakmont. The borough collects rent from the school district for use of the football and baseball fields. The park is adjacent to Riverview Junior-Senior High School.

As planned, the project consists of 10 light poles around the perimeter of the football and baseball fields.

The geotechnical investigation is expected to be completed by the end of the month or in early February, Fodi said.

The testing will be conducted by Artuso Construction for a little under $16,000. Fodi said a report will be made for council to review and will be required to proceed with construction.

“This will start the ball rolling with enough time for them to get set up, so by maybe February, we’d have a recommendation from the recreation board for which contract for the lighting fixtures ready to go,” Fodi said.

Council received four quotes to consider. Fodi previously told TribLive the quotes range from $550,000 to just under $900,000.

Erin Schuetz, a Riverview School Board member who spoke at the council meeting as a resident, thanked council for keeping the project rolling.

“As a parent of a kid at Riverview, thank you for moving these lights forward,” Schuetz said. “I know … they’re excited to have an experience that a lot of kids and many of us had.”