Two sports complexes in Apache Junction, Arizona receive DarkSky Approved designation

Apache Junction, Arizona, United States

Both Prospector Park and Superstition Shadows Park were recently recognized by DarkSky International for their dedication to reducing light pollution. As part of the DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting program, the facilities have significantly improved their lighting systems. By following DarkSky’s Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night, all seven fields at these parks now demonstrate how communities can effectively balance outdoor functionality with the preservation of dark skies.

These sports fields serve as the hub for about 75% of the recreational youth and adult sports leagues and tournaments in the community. While they are heavily used during the day by school teams and senior leagues, the vast majority of games take place in the evenings—especially in the summer when cooler temperatures arrive after sunset. Prospector Park was built in the mid-1980s, and Superstition Shadows Park in the mid-1990s. Both had been operating on outdated halide lighting systems that not only impaired the night sky but were also highly inefficient.

Located at the edge of the urban valley and the rural desert, Apache Junction’s wide-open spaces and skies are deeply valued. Councilmember (now Vice-Mayor) Robert Schroeder was an early advocate for exploring dark sky protections across the community. “We live in a very unique part of the valley, and we wanted to protect that from light pollution,” Schroeder said. “When I originally brought this up, I was looking for a citywide initiative. Slowly but surely, I realized that was just too big of a bite, so we decided as a mayor, council, and staff to narrow our focus to the areas that would really benefit the most from dark sky lighting, and I’m very pleased with the results.”

The city’s Development Services Department led many of the dark sky efforts, while the Parks and Recreation Department focused on improvements in the parks. For years, the challenge wasn’t a lack of desire to retrofit the fields, but a lack of funds. In some cases, upgrades required replacing or reconfiguring poles, which was costly. The city had committed to phasing the project over three to four years through its Capital Improvement Program. Thanks to additional grants and city funds, however, the project was completed ahead of schedule, with all seven fields finished within 24 months.

All fields went through Phase 1 certification to ensure the design was approved prior to permitting, production, and installation. DarkSky International then inspected the field lighting as part of Phase 2 certification to confirm they met all requirements. The department also added an extra project at the Rodeo Event Center, retrofitting the arena fixtures with dark sky-friendly lighting.

As a result of these efforts, the city has updated its policies to require that outdoor lighting renovations or retrofits at existing parks use DarkSky Approved fixtures, and new parks or amenities must include DarkSky Certified sports field lighting. All lighting is now connected to centralized control systems, allowing remote operation to reduce unnecessary use.

Community members have already noticed the difference. One resident commented on social media, “From my house, I can see the lights on the ball fields and soccer/football field. The difference in the amount of lighting going into the night sky is amazingly better since the conversion.”

The city’s commitment extends beyond the physical upgrades. In recent years, they have expanded programming to help residents connect with the night sky. Events include stargazing nights with local astronomy clubs, library-led StoryWalks under the stars, black light trivia hikes, moonlight hikes, and more. Apache Junction has embraced dark sky principles across many facets of community life, from recreation to education.

About DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting Program

DarkSky Approved Outdoor Sports Lighting is a DarkSky program proving that dark skies can coexist with modern outdoor recreation. Using advanced LED technology, thoughtful design, and state-of-the-art controls, DarkSky Approved projects reduce glare, spill, and skyglow that impact nearby neighborhoods, adjacent wildlife habitats, and the night sky. These projects show that we can protect the night without compromising play. Learn more about the program by visiting our website.

Address

1091 W. Southern Ave., Apache Junction, Az. 85120

Website

www.apachejunctionaz.gov/parks

Contact

Liz Langenbach
[email protected]

James Brigagliano
DarkSky International
Lighting Program Manager
[email protected]