Why are all the light posts in Memorial Park off?

On Friday, September 24, 2021 at approximately 9:30pm I left CODA after having a nice dinner date with a beautiful woman.  We then decided to pick up some ice cream at Village Ice Cream on Maplewood Avenue and since it was such a nice night I suggested walking through Memorial Park.  When I approached the park entrance I realized the entire park was pitch dark.  So dark you could not see three feet in front of you.  I couldn't remember if there were actual lights in the park so I took a stroll on Sunday afternoon around 2:00pm and indeed the park is dotted with many light posts.  So why is Memorial Park completely dark from the children's playground to the Memorial Library?  Walking around during the day, you can see that some parts of the creek are unprotected and some parts of the bridges are blocked off with construction barricades, so if someone were brave enough to enter in complete darkness they could get injured or fall into the creek.  Can someone find out what's going on?  My date didn't want to walk through the park and I don't blame her it looks creepy.  It's also worth noting that not too long ago we had a shooting at Underhill field and that investigation took two months to produce a suspect.  For this reason alone, I think we should ensure our parks are well lit.  This is a public safety issue.  I have informed the Department of Public Works of this issue and they have not returned a response.  Drove by the park tonight and all is dark still.  All that is lit is the surrounding street lights, the tennis court and the paddle ball court.  All paths along the park are dark.

Well, it's not a safety issue as long as you decide not to walk through a dark park. Maybe they're trying to save on the electric bill.

Contact Maplewood Town Hall with that question/concern. 

At DeHart park there was an issue with the electrical system and/or the automated switch system earlier this summer, and neither the field lights nor the walkway lights were turning on. We reported it through the Recreation Dept, but it took a few weeks to get it fixed, which I think was because another department actually managed the process.

(And once the lights' issues were fixed, and we were able to play our first night game, the field's sprinkler system turned on while we were playing... )

When I come home from work late sometimes I like to walk my dog near Memorial Park, it helps me destress.  Last week, I took the dog out with my ball chucker and decided I would play a little fetch with Muffy.  As soon as I threw the ball into Memorial Park the dog ran after the ball.  Of course, it was so dark I lost the ball and the dog.  Now I have no way to destress.  Someone really needs to turn on the lights at Memorial Park.

sprout said:

Contact Maplewood Town Hall that question/concern. 

At DeHart park there was an issue with the electrical system and/or the automated switch system earlier this summer, and neither the field lights nor the walkway lights were turning on. We reported it through the Recreation Dept, but it took a few weeks to get it fixed, which I think was because another department actually managed the process.

(And once the lights' issues were fixed, and we were able to play our first night game, the field's sprinkler system turned on while we were playing... )

 I'm sorry to hear that.  That's terrible!

ConcernedHighTaxPayer said:

sprout said:

Contact Maplewood Town Hall that question/concern. 

At DeHart park there was an issue with the electrical system and/or the automated switch system earlier this summer, and neither the field lights nor the walkway lights were turning on. We reported it through the Recreation Dept, but it took a few weeks to get it fixed, which I think was because another department actually managed the process.

(And once the lights' issues were fixed, and we were able to play our first night game, the field's sprinkler system turned on while we were playing... )

 I'm sorry to hear that.  That's terrible!

We made the best of it -- fortunately, it was a warm night. Also, some guys at the Maplewood Dept of Public Works were still around and were able to turn off the sprinklers after about 30 mins.  So... I really should include a 'thank you' shout-out to them. 

We did get to play that night... it was just a bit wet. (And playing there the rest of the summer was fine... except the field maintenance company tends to be overzealous with that sprinkler system, and the field was occasionally over-watered and marshy).

ConcernedHighTaxPayer said:

So dark you could not see three feet in front of you.

You should’ve seen it four nights earlier under the Harvest Moon.

I have informed the Department of Public Works of this issue and they have not returned a response.

Better luck on their second workday.

Can someone find out what's going on?

Isn’t it obvious?

If the street lights are out in Memorial Park, the first call should be to non-emergency number for the MPD, they will report the issue to PSE&G.  The storm damage you report was caused by Ida and will take some time to repair.   Regarding losing your dog in Memorial Park, since all dogs are supposed to be on a leash while in Memorial Park, I fail to see how you could have lost the dog.  

joan_crystal said:

If the street lights are out in Memorial Park, the first call should be to non-emergency number for the MPD, they will report the issue to PSE&G.  The storm damage you report was caused by Ida and will take some time to repair.   Regarding losing your dog in Memorial Park, since all dogs are supposed to be on a leash while in Memorial Park, I fail to see how you could have lost the dog.  

 Thank you Joan, no the dog comment was a joke, but the lights being out in Memorial Park is no joking matter.  As I mentioned above, not too long ago we had a shooting in Underhill field and the authorities had a very tough time finding a suspect because of lack of witnesses.  We have a New Jersey Transit train near the park and this could be very dangerous if we do not ask for a quick resolution.  Also, the lights inside Memorial Park are not the responsibility of PSE&G.  They only handle the public street lighting.  I'm pretty sure this is the responsibility of the Maplewood Department of Public Works.

ConcernedHighTaxPayer said:

 Thank you Joan, no the dog comment was a joke, but the lights being out in Memorial Park is no joking matter.  As I mentioned above, not too long ago we had a shooting in Underhill field and the authorities had a very tough time finding a suspect because of lack of witnesses.  We have a New Jersey Transit train near the park and this could be very dangerous if we do not ask for a quick resolution.  Also, the lights inside Memorial Park are not the responsibility of PSE&G.  They only handle the public street lighting.  I'm pretty sure this is the responsibility of the Maplewood Department of Public Works.

 It’s not because of the lack of lights at underhill that witnesses weren’t coming forward. It’s the STFU attitude of not talking to the police that kept us all in the dark…

The underground wiring and outlets in memorial park were flooded. That’s gonna take time to fix. Walk with your personal flashlight if you like to walk through the park at night. That’s one of the safest parks around. 

ConcernedHighTaxPayer said:

On Friday, September 24, 2021 at approximately 9:30pm I left CODA after having a nice dinner date with a beautiful woman.  We then decided to pick up some ice cream at Village Ice Cream on Maplewood Avenue and since it was such a nice night I suggested walking through Memorial Park.  When I approached the park entrance I realized the entire park was pitch dark.  So dark you could not see three feet in front of you.  I couldn't remember if there were actual lights in the park so I took a stroll on Sunday afternoon around 2:00pm and indeed the park is dotted with many light posts.  So why is Memorial Park completely dark from the children's playground to the Memorial Library?  Walking around during the day, you can see that some parts of the creek are unprotected and some parts of the bridges are blocked off with construction barricades, so if someone were brave enough to enter in complete darkness they could get injured or fall into the creek.  Can someone find out what's going on?  My date didn't want to walk through the park and I don't blame her it looks creepy.  It's also worth noting that not too long ago we had a shooting at Underhill field and that investigation took two months to produce a suspect.  For this reason alone, I think we should ensure our parks are well lit.  This is a public safety issue.  I have informed the Department of Public Works of this issue and they have not returned a response.  Drove by the park tonight and all is dark still.  All that is lit is the surrounding street lights, the tennis court and the paddle ball court.  All paths along the park are dark.

 Perhaps if you weren't high you would be less concerned. ;-)

Jaytee said:

ConcernedHighTaxPayer said:

 Thank you Joan, no the dog comment was a joke, but the lights being out in Memorial Park is no joking matter.  As I mentioned above, not too long ago we had a shooting in Underhill field and the authorities had a very tough time finding a suspect because of lack of witnesses.  We have a New Jersey Transit train near the park and this could be very dangerous if we do not ask for a quick resolution.  Also, the lights inside Memorial Park are not the responsibility of PSE&G.  They only handle the public street lighting.  I'm pretty sure this is the responsibility of the Maplewood Department of Public Works.

 It’s not because of the lack of lights at underhill that witnesses weren’t coming forward. It’s the STFU attitude of not talking to the police that kept us all in the dark…

The underground wiring and outlets in memorial park were flooded. That’s gonna take time to fix. Walk with your personal flashlight if you like to walk through the park at night. That’s one of the safest parks around. 

 you'd think with the high taxes we pay, the river wouldn't dare to flood Memorial Park.

Jaytee said:

 It’s not because of the lack of lights at underhill that witnesses weren’t coming forward. It’s the STFU attitude of not talking to the police that kept us all in the dark…

The underground wiring and outlets in memorial park were flooded. That’s gonna take time to fix. Walk with your personal flashlight if you like to walk through the park at night. That’s one of the safest parks around. 

 Underground wiring and outlets were flooded?  What kind of conduits and electrical boxes are we buying for exterior lighting?  Are they made out of paper mache?  That doesn't make any sense.  I heard they had to shut down the electric because they are doing some big project at Memorial Library.  Somebody screwed something up.  That park has been flooding for ages and they even had a skating rink on one of the fields because of it.  It is not possible that the storm took the electrical out.  Unbelievable that out tax dollars are going to waste like this.  Maybe because it's a historic park they decided to go back to the dark ages.  I would believe that story more than the flooding of electrical outlets.

ml1 said:

Jaytee said:

ConcernedHighTaxPayer said:

 Thank you Joan, no the dog comment was a joke, but the lights being out in Memorial Park is no joking matter.  As I mentioned above, not too long ago we had a shooting in Underhill field and the authorities had a very tough time finding a suspect because of lack of witnesses.  We have a New Jersey Transit train near the park and this could be very dangerous if we do not ask for a quick resolution.  Also, the lights inside Memorial Park are not the responsibility of PSE&G.  They only handle the public street lighting.  I'm pretty sure this is the responsibility of the Maplewood Department of Public Works.

 It’s not because of the lack of lights at underhill that witnesses weren’t coming forward. It’s the STFU attitude of not talking to the police that kept us all in the dark…

The underground wiring and outlets in memorial park were flooded. That’s gonna take time to fix. Walk with your personal flashlight if you like to walk through the park at night. That’s one of the safest parks around. 

 you'd think with the high taxes we pay, the river wouldn't dare to flood Memorial Park.

 Where is the laughing emoji when we need it?

jimmurphy said:

 Perhaps if you weren't high you would be less concerned. ;-

Now that was a good comment.  Thank you Jim.  You made me laugh and now I'm not so worried about the dark park.  I'm curious to see how long the lights will be out though.

Homework assignment:

1) Get off MOL.

2) Contact DPW and ask them why the lights are off.

3) Report back what you are told.

Everything else is speculation and wasting everyone's time, including your own.

ConcernedHighTaxPayer said:

It is not possible that the storm took the electrical out.  

I'm pretty sure it's possible. 

HatsOff said:

Homework assignment:

1) Get off MOL.

2) Contact DPW and ask them why the lights are off.

3) Report back what you are told.

Everything else is speculation and wasting everyone's time, including your own.

 I already completed the homework assignment.   

"I have informed the Department of Public Works of this issue and they have not returned a response."

I did not get a response from DPW.

The next step is contacting the Township Committee. 

HatsOff said:

Homework assignment:

1) Get off MOL.

2) Contact DPW and ask them why the lights are off.

3) Report back what you are told.

Everything else is speculation and wasting everyone's time, including your own.

 Good advice except as they said they had already done it

MOL is a community conversation - I don’t see how bringing up a concern and reporting how you’ve addressed it so far is a waste of anyone’s time…

Scully said:

 Good advice except as they said they had already done it

MOL is a community conversation - I don’t see how bringing up a concern and reporting how you’ve addressed it so far is a waste of anyone’s time…

 Thank you Scully.

The electricity at the main library was taken out by the flood.  This is one of the reasons why the main library building closed earlier than planned.  I don't know if the wiring for the lights in the main library building is connected with the wiring for the lights along the paths in Memorial Park.  If it is, then this would be a very different situation from the ground in the park getting wet and affecting the wiring for the lights.  

ConcernedHighTaxPayer said:

 Underground wiring and outlets were flooded?  What kind of conduits and electrical boxes are we buying for exterior lighting?  Are they made out of paper mache?  That doesn't make any sense.  I heard they had to shut down the electric because they are doing some big project at Memorial Library.  Somebody screwed something up.  That park has been flooding for ages and they even had a skating rink on one of the fields because of it.  It is not possible that the storm took the electrical out.  Unbelievable that out tax dollars are going to waste like this.  Maybe because it's a historic park they decided to go back to the dark ages.  I would believe that story more than the flooding of electrical outlets.

 Those conduits were installed decades ago. Why doesn’t it make sense? Do you realize how high the water was? Maplewood avenue was flooded close to 2 feet high. The library has to replace the entire electrical panel and wiring. It’s possible that the feed for the library is connected to the lights in the park. The town’s meter. 

Jaytee said:

 Those conduits were installed decades ago. Why doesn’t it make sense? Do you realize how high the water was? Maplewood avenue was flooded close to 2 feet high. The library has to replace the entire electrical panel and wiring. It’s possible that the feed for the library is connected to the lights in the park. The town’s meter. 

 So what are you saying?  The water drown the wires?  Are you saying all the wires and conduits will have to be dug up and replaced all around Memorial Park?  Usually when this type of thing happens something trips a breaker or something in a main panel.  There have been numerous hurricanes, snow storms, etc... since those wires/conduit were installed.  The Memorial Library has a backup system that assists with power if this happens.  I think the lights were turned off as a precaution and someone forgot to turn them back on.  Maybe it was related to the storm or maybe not, but water does not just make a an entire network of lights throughout a park useless.  If that were the case, we would have to constantly replace street lighting.  This isn't salt water we are talking about.

I guess you don't know that most street light wiring is overhead.

That's ok. There seems to be a lot you don't know.

It's fortunate that ConcernedHighTaxPayer joined MOL to start this thread.

yahooyahoo said:

It's fortunate that ConcernedHighTaxPayer joined MOL to start this thread.

 I wonder if a certain "fruited one" bought a new keyboard.

Scully said:

 Good advice except as they said they had already done it

MOL is a community conversation - I don’t see how bringing up a concern and reporting how you’ve addressed it so far is a waste of anyone’s time…

 To be fair, CHTP asked DPW and then came on here and asked us. DPW (one of the few authorities who could actually answer the question) hasn't answered, but because CHTP also asked us, many of us have tried to answer. CHTP has decided not to accept any of our answers. That's CHTP's burden, not ours. We did our part.

Formerlyjerseyjack said:

yahooyahoo said:

It's fortunate that ConcernedHighTaxPayer joined MOL to start this thread.

 I wonder if a certain "fruited one" bought a new keyboard.

Did he get divorced and start dating?

Formerlyjerseyjack said:

 I wonder if a certain "fruited one" bought a new keyboard.

It's possible, but that particular CHTP left our two towns a few years ago.