A group of private citizens is seeking to shed more light on the High School's lower athletic field.

The new lights, with an increase in intensity from 30 to 50 candles, would allow regular sanctioned high school sporting events after dark.

The Town Council gave the go-ahead to the citizen group to apply to the Planning Board for a new lighting scheme, which would replace the current set of eight wooden light poles with four higher, steel poles capable of projecting enough light to meet official sporting regulations.

The School Board gave the citizen group its approval to raise funds for the project at their June meeting.

Jim Croft, spokesman for the 11-member group and a resident of Stonegate Road, estimated the cost of the new lights and installation at approximately $100,000. A five-year financing plan is envisioned, with funding to come possibly from a local bank, a U.S. Soccer Federation Loan, private fund-raising and/or financing through Musco Sports Lighting, the company that would design and manufacture the lights.

The proposal comes at a time when the High School lower field is being expanded as part of the school's renovation. Plans were to add two fixtures to the current lighting, however, "this will still only produce 30 candles of power, which will be insufficient to play any regular sanctioned high school sporting events," according to the report presented by the citizen group to the Town Council July 11.

The lighting upgrade would not only allow Cape Elizabeth to join the ranks of area high schools that host night games, but would also enable longer practices on a safer playing surface, and provide additional venues for weekend school activities, according to the group's report.

"I think this has the potential to be a great addition to this town," said Councilor David Backer, echoing the group's assertion that the night games will boost school and community spirit.

There was, however, some concern that night gatherings could also encourage mischief, particularly when rival schools are involved.

Police Chief Neil Williams told the council that, if the lights are approved and installed, his department will likely monitor the first few events with one or two officers, and continue to monitor activities for the first year or so. The School Department would be responsible for the costs of public safety.

"I'm still apprehensive about the field being so close to a neighborhood," said Town Councilor Carol Fritz, before voting to allow the application. Town Manager Michael McGovern said that more than 200 notices were sent to neighbors in the Elizabeth Park, Grover Road and Fowler Road areas, but drew only one email response.

The new lights, directed at the field from a height of 60 feet rather than the current 35 feet, are touted to be more energy efficient and pointed more directly at the playing field.

The group plans to recruit the Maine National Guard for installation.

Athletic Director Keith Weatherbie told councilors that the lower field is no longer used for night competition because the lighting does not meet standards. He anticipated the new lights would be used in the fall and spring seasons for extended soccer, lacrosse and field hockey practices, until approximately 7 at night; and from approximately 7-9 p.m. for scheduled night games.

Evening and night games will allow more parents to attend their children's events, Croft said. The schools expect between 300-500 spectators if the new lighting is approved.

McGovern said the citizen group has been advised of zoning ordinance standards for lighting, and that no formal application has been made to the Planning Board yet.

Elaine Moloney, chairman of the school's Building Committee, said upgraded lighting had been part of the committee's vision for the field renovation but was not included because of costs. Officials thanked the citizen committee for stepping forward with the plan for better lighting.