Putting light on the subject

People taking part in night sport and community activities at Horsham City Oval are set to benefit from improved floodlighting.

Horsham Rural City Council contractors are replacing lights as part of periodic maintenance on four towers at the reserve.

Sporting events under lights have become part of Horsham culture during the past decade.

The 30-metre towers appeared in the Horsham skyline as part of a $450,000 floodlighting project in 2010.

The towers dwarfed the previous towers used for football training.

Horsham council technical services director John Martin said the work would have an immediate impact on lighting at the reserve.

“The work should return lighting at Horsham City Oval to its best,” he said.

“Lights cease to work over a period of time, impacting on adequate light levels.

“It’s not a routine job, requiring a crane, but it is something we need to do every few years.”

Since the installation of the lights, Horsham City Oval has provided the setting for several memorable night football and cricket matches. Horsham Cricket Association will present an A Grade twilight match between Homers and West Wimmera Warriors under lights at the city oval on Saturday.

The oval precinct, including adjacent Sawyer Park, will be abuzz with activity on Saturday night, with an inaugural Horsham Rockfest concert at Horsham Soundshell.

Several Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians centres boast extensive floodlighting at major sporting reserves and community parkland areas.