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News Press release

HUB Sports Center serving Washington–Idaho communities earns DarkSky Approved certification

 Credit: HUB Sports Center

Liberty Lake, Washington, USA

HUB Sports Center’s newly completed Fields Complex has officially earned DarkSky Approved status through DarkSky International’s Outdoor Sports Lighting Program. This milestone makes HUB the first DarkSky Approved outdoor sports lighting facility in Eastern Washington, and only the second in the entire state.

HUB Sports Center, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization serving the greater Spokane–Coeur d’Alene region, is a vital community hub dedicated to youth sports and promoting active lifestyles. With the completion of Phase II of its outdoor expansion, the facility now features two multi-use turf fields that support year-round programming for youth soccer, football, lacrosse, and other sports.

 Credit: HUB Sports Center

To ensure these fields could be safely used during evening hours while minimizing environmental impact, HUB collaborated with the City of Liberty Lake’s planning department and Musco Lighting to install a lighting system that meets DarkSky’s rigorous standards. The system aligns with our Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, prioritizing visibility, safety, and environmental stewardship.

The new lighting design:

  • Reduces glare, improving play conditions for athletes and visibility for spectators
  • Minimizes skyglow, supporting healthier nighttime conditions for nocturnal wildlife, including migratory birds
  • Eliminates light trespass, preventing light from spilling into neighboring yards and windows

This project reflects HUB Sports Center’s deep commitment to community building, with thoughtful consideration for not only players and families on the field, but also the surrounding environment, local residents, and the broader goal of connecting people through responsible development.

“Utilizing the Dark Sky program demonstrates how these types of facilities can provide extended play opportunities while being environmentally responsible,” said Executive Director Phil Champlin. “We’re excited to have a first-class facility for the youth and community to enjoy.”

The DarkSky Outdoor Sports Lighting Program supports communities around the world in designing lighting that enables recreation while protecting the night sky. It’s built on the belief that human-built environments and the natural world can coexist, preserving habitat, protecting wildlife, and reducing light pollution that harms ecosystems and people alike.

Looking ahead, HUB Sports Center plans to expand with two additional fields and remains committed to using dark sky-friendly lighting throughout its growth.To learn more about the facility, visit www.hubsportscenter.org/outdoor or contact Executive Director Phil Champlin at [email protected].