Jackson County Public Schools is excited to announce that it is officially
going out for construction bids to install lighting systems on its baseball and softball
fields. This significant project aims to enhance the athletic experience for
student-athletes, improve safety, and support the broader community.
The decision to move forward with this project reflects the district and school
commitment to provide top-notch facilities that support both competitive play and
community engagement. By installing lighting on the SMHS baseball and softball field in
Webster, games and practices can occur into the evening hours, offering more flexible
scheduling and increasing the overall utilization of these important athletic spaces for
SMHS and the general community as needed.
“We are delighted to take this important step toward enhancing our athletic facilities,”
said Superintendent Dr. Dana Ayers. “The new lighting will not only benefit our
student-athletes by providing better visibility during games and practices but will also
allow our school community to enjoy more evening events and activities. I cannot wait to
see them play under the lights!”
The project will involve the installation of high-quality lights, which are expected to improve visibility and play time. Principal Joey Robinson says, “JCPS and Smoky
Mountain High School are dedicated to providing the best opportunities for all of our
students. This upgrade not only allows us to host evening games, bringing our
community together under the lights, but it also gives our players more opportunities to
practice and compete at the highest possible level. I’m thrilled to see how this will
enhance the overall experience for our students, families, and fans.“
Tomorrow, August 16th, the bid process opens to qualified contractors who can
demonstrate experience with similar projects and a commitment to high safety and
quality standards. Interested contractors are encouraged to review the bid documents
and participate in the bidding process to help bring this important project to fruition. The
selection will be based on experience, cost, and the ability to meet the project
requirements.
Funding for the lights is a combination of state capital funds earmarked for athletics and
proceeds from the DOT right-of-way purchase of property at SMHS along the 107 road
expansion project (use of these funds are pending board approval) and funds from local
donors.
The new lighting system is expected to be operational by January 31, 2025, in time for
the upcoming spring baseball and softball season.
