Hoover East Sports Park reopens after major electrical system upgrade by Alabama Power

The City of Hoover recently reopened Hoover East Sports Park following a systemwide upgrade to the park’s electrical equipment by Alabama Power.

City officials, Alabama Power linemen, Louie the Lightning Bug and hundreds of Hoover residents were on hand for the ceremony formally reopening the sports park, which had not had electric service since last spring.

“The safety of our residents and visitors had to come first,” said Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis. “This was a complex, large-scale infrastructure issue, and we took a disciplined approach to solving it. By partnering with Alabama Power, we were able to reduce both cost and timeline while delivering a high-quality result for our community.”

The project was initiated following the discovery of hazardous electrical conditions in 2024 and early 2025, including visible electrical arcing along fencing. Out of an abundance of caution, city officials shut down electrical service across the park in March 2025 to ensure public safety.

Subsequent testing and engineering analysis confirmed widespread failures within the park’s aging medium voltage electrical system. The findings identified significant safety risks, including dangerous contact voltage on field fencing. Engineers recommended full replacement of the system.

To address the issue, the city engaged Lemoine Program Management Services to support project planning and delivery. Alabama Power was ultimately selected to provide a turnkey solution, including engineering, electrical infrastructure replacement, and installation of new field lighting systems.

Hoover City Council approved a project budget of $4.175 million in September 2025. The Hoover Park Board executed the agreement with Alabama Power and provided oversight of the project to ensure successful execution.

Construction began in late October 2025. Alabama Power completed the work in under six months—significantly faster than initial projections—and at a reduced overall cost compared to earlier estimates.

“Partnering with the city on this large-scale athletic field lighting project was a true collaboration from day one,” said Robert Richardson, Alabama Power’s athletic field lighting project manager. “Through clear communication, proactive problem-solving and a shared commitment to the vision, we were able to stay on schedule without compromising quality. By working hand-in-hand with city stakeholders at every stage, we ensured a smooth process and delivered a result that reflects both precision and partnership.”

The scope of the project included removal and replacement of electrical distribution systems, installation of new LED field lighting meeting AHSAA standards, restoration of power to park facilities and various site improvements such as concrete repairs, fencing upgrades and enhancements to recreational amenities, including improvements to the Cahaba River kayak launch.

The first games under restored lighting were played in mid-March 2026, and by mid-April, all fields were fully reopened for day and night use. The reopening ceremony happened to coincide with National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18, and festivities included an Alabama Power bucket truck and the legendary Louie the Lightning Bug. Mayor Derzis threw out the ceremonial first pitch with Louie serving as umpire.

“This park is about our kids and families,” said Ricky Phillips, president of the Hoover Parks Board. “Seeing these fields back in use — especially under the lights — is something special. We’re proud not only to restore the park, but to enhance it, including improvements like the kayak launch that give families even more ways to enjoy this space.”

City officials extended their appreciation to Alabama Power, Lemoine Program Management Services, the Hoover Park Board and all project partners who contributed to the successful restoration of this vital community asset.

Ralph Williams Jr., vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division, said working on the Hoover East Park project falls in line with Alabama Power’s core values.

“Our team recognizes the vital role parks play in contributing to the overall quality of life for a community, and we were honored to partner with the City of Hoover and the Park Board to deliver a safe and reliable turnkey solution,” said Ralph Williams Jr., vice president of Alabama Power’s Birmingham Division. “This project is a great example of strong collaboration and reflects Alabama Power’s ongoing commitment to the communities we serve and the places that bring them together.”