City to add 255 solar-powered lights at parks, streets

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso is beginning the installation of 255 solar-powered lights at parks and along roadways across the City.

The City said the lights are being used in areas where traditional electrical infrastructure or budget constrains can make installation difficult.

The City-wide project includes 120 solar lights at City parks and 135 lights along roadways.

The City said the goal is to improve safety, encourage more use of public spaces and provide a more efficient option for expanding lighting througout El Paso.

The $2.1 million project is funded by Proposition C of the voter-approved 2022 Community Progress Bond and is part of the City’s Climate Action Plan. The effort is a collaboration between the Streets and Maintenance Department, Parks and Recreation Department and Climate, Sustainability, and Energy under Strategic and Legislative Affairs.

“This investment gives us an opportunity to improve safety and make our parks and public spaces more accessible while also being smart about long-term operating costs,” said Fernando Berjano, senior climate program manager. “Solar lighting allows us to bring light to locations where traditional electrical infrastructure may be difficult or costly to install, helping encourage greater use of these spaces while providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the City.”

Installation at City parks began this week, with work tentatively scheduled to be completed by the end of September. The installation schedule includes parks in all eight City Council districts, including Rio Valley Park, Modesto Gomez Park, Hawkins Park, Jim Crouch Park, Desert Sage Park, Veterans Park, Salvador Rivas Park, Walter Clarke Park, Reese McCord Park and others.

Following completion of the park installations, crews will begin installing 135 solar lights along roadway corridors and trails throughout the community. Locations include Northwestern Drive, South Copia Street, Edgemere Boulevard, Kenworthy Street, Bob Hope Drive, Castner Drive, East Cliff Drive, Rim Road and Hondo Pass Road.

Roadway installations are expected to be completed by early to mid-November. Installation dates may change depending on construction and logistical conditions.

Unlike traditional street and park lighting, solar lights do not require connection to the electrical grid, allowing the City to add lighting in areas where existing infrastructure may be limited. The technology also provides long-term operational savings while supporting efforts to improve safety and increase the use of parks and public spaces, the City said.

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