Next week, the Warren County Parks Department will directly address light poles that are in danger of falling at its facilities.

Parks Director Chris Kummer said that after two wooden poles fell at Oakland Ball Park, the department has been worried about the stability of the other poles because of their age.

“Most all the wooden poles are 20-plus years old,” he said.

Kummer added that no one was hurt when the light poles at Oakland Ball Park fell.

“We’ll be replacing several poles and we’ll be guy-wiring a few others to ensure they’re stable going forward,” he said.

In April, Warren County Fiscal Court approved a measure allowing the parks department to advertise for the replacement of six wooden light poles after a study determined they presented a potential danger.

An additional 12 poles of the 42 that were inspected were found to need guy-wiring to keep them standing straight and firmly secured.

“Over time, with weather and wear on those poles, some of those poles have leaned,” Kummer said. “We’re trying to be proactive to make sure they’re better stabilized.”

On July 7, fiscal court approved a measure to pay Buck Electric $42,500 for the repairs.

Upon starting the project, it should be completed within 30 to 60 days, Kummer said, adding that the repairs and replacements will not obstruct any park activities.

“We’re actually doing it to where there shouldn’t be any impact at all,” he said.

Though Kummer has previously said he would prefer the potentially dangerous wooden poles to be replaced with metal poles because their bases wouldn’t be subject to rotting over time, which is what caused the two poles at Oakland Ball Park to fall, the new poles will be made of wood, due to financial constraints.

Rex McWhorter, magistrate for the 4th District, where Oakland Ball Park is located, said he’s happy all the structurally deficient poles are being addressed.

Despite the danger structurally weakened light poles can potentially present, McWhorter said he hasn’t heard any concerns about them from his constituents.

“I’ve worried about it a little bit, but nobody’s called me about it,” he said.

The idea of having the light poles replaced or secured with guy-wiring as needed is a relief for him, he said.

“I’m happy we’re getting those fixed,” he said.