The newly-installed lights around Fountain Park are turned on at 4 a.m. and again at 5 p.m (or before dusk) and turned off at 11 p.m.

Is the Town Council aware of the light pollution this creates not only for the residents in close proximity to the park but also to those wishing to view the night sky from afar? We have five hours of darkness! There is no longer any possibility of using a telescope or even enjoying the desert sky at night. For a town that promotes itself as one who wants no light pollution from street lights, you have messed up!

Was a study conducted or observation made as to the number of walkers using flashlights or wishing to walk until 11 p.m. or as early as 4 a.m.?

As an unwilling observer there are very, very few people walking during those hours. Did the council have options as to the types of lights available? Did you consider fewer lights, shorter lights, dimmer lights, solar lights?

The reader was correct who compared the lights to an airport runway. Did you even consider the impact the constant light has on the residents surrounding the park who considerably outnumber the walkers? People are already talking of moving to get away from the once desirable park.

Indeed, $700,000 of taxpayers’ money was unwisely spent on installing lights that do nothing to improve the park.