The city of Des Moines wants to install lights on nine holes at Waveland Golf Course to extend playing hours into the evening.
Why it matters: The project would open up tee times and generate more revenue, city staff say, though some nearby residents are concerned about light pollution and transparency.
State of play: The nine holes are by the west and north sides of the course near I-235, 56th Street and University Avenue, Jenny Richmond, assistant parks and recreation director, tells Axios.
- The placements are meant to limit exposure to neighbors and the woodlands on the east side, she says.
- The lights could allow for other evening programming, including movie nights and sledding.
How it started: Musco Lighting approached the city about the project a year ago and offered to front the estimated $1.5 million installation cost, after installing a similar project in Conrad.
- C-Corporation, which manages the city’s golf courses, would pay Musco back through a revenue-sharing arrangement with low costs to the city, Richmond says.
- Musco would use specialized “DarkSky” sports lighting equipment and finish by the end of May.
Yes, but: Some residents near the course say they are concerned about light pollution and its impact on wildlife, as well as the Drake Observatory.
- Chris Collins moved to a home off Polk Boulevard in 2024 after living near Top Golf in West Des Moines, where the lights “pretty much ruined the evening,” he tells Axios.
- Molly Berggren has lived in the neighborhood for a decade and worries about the nearby bird sanctuary and losing the neighborhood feel of Waveland, noting the amplified noise from private events at the course.
- “We see bald eagles,” Berggren says. “It’s just the coolest thing to be able to experience this right where we live.”
Between the lines: Residents also question the transparency of the process — the City Council approved a 15-year contract with C-Corp last December and granted an exception to bypass competitive bidding.
- A memo to council members also outlined a partnership with Musco Lighting to illuminate Waveland, though the city must still approve the final agreement between Musco and C-Corp, expected next month.
What they’re saying: Richmond says the city has worked with C-Corp since 2006, and no competitors expressed interest in managing the courses…