The Westbrook Little League is making progress towards lighting up two fields at their complex off Bridge Street.

On Monday, the City Council gave its preliminary approval for the city to contribute $18,000 toward paying for the lights for one little league baseball field and one softball field, a move that was recommended by the city’s recreation and conservation commission.

“We have come a long way,” said Rick Knight, vice president of Westbrook Little League, about the condition of their facility. “The crowning jewel for Westbrook Little League would be to have lights.”

The organization set up a fund to pay for lights five years ago, but really started bringing in money when a committee was formed for that purpose last fall. The committee hopes to raise the remainder of the $121,000 it needs for the lights by opening day this year, which falls on May 3. According to the club, they are on pace to do so.

The $18,000 donation from the city will come from a fund created by fees collected from developers. In Westbrook, developers are required to set aside a certain amount of open space in the city whenever they build. In lieu of setting aside that space, they also have the option of paying a fee to the city.

Mark LeClair, a member of the recreation and conservation commission, said at the meeting Monday that the fee paid by the developer has to be spent in the same ward that was developed. Otherwise, he said, the commission would have recommended more money go toward the little league lights.

Councilor Suzanne Joyce said she was impressed with “the tenacity and dedication” displayed by the lighting committee.

“I’m looking forward to opening day,” she said.