Cross-Country Ski Trail Lighting By: Karyn VanderPloeg

Lakes of the North Is located between Gaylord and Traverse City. Lakes of the North is a close community provided with 9 recreational facilities. Including : - 18-hole golf course and pro shop with restaurant - Riding Stables - Clubhouse with an indoor swimming pool - 2 Beach Houses - Winter Sports Facility - A Campground - An Airport

Winter Sports Facility The Outside Provides: Cross-country ski trails Ice skating rink Sledding hill. The Inside Provides: Stone Fireplace; couches, chairs, tables Balcony that over sees the ice-skating rink. Ping-Pong table and other games. A Concession Ski Changing Area - Restrooms Cross-County Ski and Ice Skate Rental Shop.

Needs For Lighting System The community of Lakes of the North has increased over the years creating more members and users. Right now there isn’t any lighting on the trails. The Winter Sports Area is only open on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Lighting the trails will provide longer hours of use.

Possible Trails to Light There are 9 trails for possible lighting. The longest trail is 1.5 miles while the shortest trail is .2 miles long. Before putting lighting systems on all the trails the plan is to start with one for budget costs. The trail of interest is the 1.5 mile trail.

Options Traditional Trail Lighting - Using electrical wiring Solar Trail Lighting - Using solar lights

Traditional Lighting The light poles would be direct buried fiberglass poles at 14 feet tall after installed. Poles will be placed approximately 125 feet apart. Located far enough off the trial so the groomers have room to groom.

Types of Light Fixtures Two types of LED light fixtures are used that focus light only where needed. Flood luminaires are used for one-way trails, aimed directionally along the trail. Shoebox-style luminaries are used to illuminate a broad area.

Wiring Two options: Underground - Must be a minimum of 60 centimeters deep and filled with sand. - Relatively maintenance free Overhead -Possibility of trees falling on wires

Solar Lighting The wooden light poles would be 10 feet tall once installed. Approximately spaced every 110 feet. The wood is treated to protect the wood from rotting due to insects and weather damage. The poles will be far enough off the trail for groomers.

Solar Lights The solar-power lights automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn so there is no hassle with motion sensors or setting a timer. 12 LED bulbs last up to 10 hours at night. If there is continuous rain or snow for 3-4 days then the LED lights can last up to 5 hours instead of 10.

Getting Approved Ken Lashaway General Manager of Association. Must be presented to the Lakes of the North Association Board of Directors for consideration. A survey is then sent out to the members of Lakes of the North so see if this plan is beneficial. Once approved then preparation for the light system can be put into effect.

Budget Cost The best option is to use solar lighting for this trail system. - 72 CCA treated 12 foot 5 to 6 diameters: $2,088 - 72 LED Solar Light Fixtures: $2,664 - 72 Bags of Quikrete Concrete Mix: $252 - 1 Post Hole Ager: Lakes of the North Management has this. - 2 Staff Members: Management would hire for approximately 15 dollars an hour. 15 dollars an hour for an 8 hour day would be $1,080 total per day. This project would take about 2 weeks to complete making the total cost for staffing $10,800. Total Cost of Project: Roughly $15,804

Sources http://www.americanpoleandtimber.com/prod_posts.shtml http://www.outdoorsolarstore.com/ http://www.hubbelloutdoor.com/resources/solar/

Questions?