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Des Moines plans to light up parts of its busiest golf course, extending tee time hours and brightening it for activities like sledding. But some neighbors are concerned what that could mean for light pollution and wildlife.
City officials are meeting with neighbors this week to answer questions and hear comments about lighting up nine holes along the north and west boundaries of Waveland Golf Course, 4908 University Ave, known as the oldest public golf course west of the Mississippi River. Parks Director Ben Page said the project is a unique opportunity to help generate additional revenue as the city grapples with long-term budget challenges in the wake of Iowa lawmakers’ property tax reforms.
Golfers would be able to play earlier and later and the lights would illuminate the course’s hills for sledding.
Waveland Park Neighborhood Association President Todd Snell said the opportunity could be positive for the city, but he still has a lot of questions about the project. He said he wonders how far into the neighborhood lights could be seen as well as how the project would impact the Drake Municipal Observatory, which sits on the grounds of the golf course.
Waveland has the highest number of annual rounds played among the city’s three golf courses at 49,000. The others include A.H. Blank Golf Course, 808 County Line Road, and Bright Grandview Golf Course, 2401 E. 29th St. The courses are owned by the city and are operated by C Corp.
Neighbors share skepticism about the lighting
Chris Collins said the calm, quiet green space at the golf course drew him to the Waveland Park neighborhood. He lived in West Des Moines near the Topgolf that opened in 2024 and recalls bright sports-scale lighting that tainted the surrounding night sky.
“It literally ruined the nighttime for the area because all you see is just a white hue,” Collins said.
Collins said he’s concerned the lighting project would detract from the charm of the Waveland neighborhood and disrupt local wildlife, particularly the bird sanctuary in Cummins Woods. And while he doesn’t live on the north or west sides of the course, Collins said he worries about lights added to other areas in the future.
Collins said he plans to attend the city’s open house to share the “grave concerns” of the neighborhood and get reassurances the project would not contribute light pollution.
Snell said some neighbors have shared the same concerns.
“I’m listening to that,” he said. “At the same time, I’m listening to Ben (Page) and Parks and Rec, and how this could be a boon for the golf course, it could be a boon for the neighborhood.”
Snell said he’s also heard positive things about Musco Sports Lighting, which would install the lights, and he’s interested in seeing a demonstration at the open house. Snell said residents’ concerns are to be taken seriously, but he wants to hear the city out before coming to a conclusion.
Page said that neighbors’ concerns were expected and the city wants to be considerate of people living in the area.
“We want to make sure this is done in an intentional way that balances the recreational aspects as well as being the good neighbors we have been,” Page said.
He said the lighting wouldn’t spill into surrounding properties, street or wooded areas because the golf course is a bowl shape and is lower than street level. Any lights added would face down onto the golf course.
Systems from Musco Lighting also are designed with protections for sensitive ecological areas to reduce impacts on the night sky and wildlife, city officials said.
What are the project details?
The $1.5 million project would be funded through golfers’ fees and will use cost-effective LED technology, according to the city. Musco lighting follows DarkSky International standards, an organization that outlines best practice guidelines for outdoor sports lighting.
Page said the new lights would allow the golf course to extend its hours, but it would come with stricter rules. No amplified portable speakers would be allowed after a certain time and there would be rangers driving the course to ensure compliance.
There would be higher fees to play during the extended hours, though officials did not specify how much or how late the golf course would stay open. Currently it costs $30 to play 18 holes. The course is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The lights could be added by the end of spring, Page said.
How to join the conversation
Parks staff, as well as representatives from Musco Lighting and C Corp. are hosting a public open house to discuss the project with neighbors at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Waveland Golf Course Clubhouse, 4908 University Ave.
Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com.