New lights have been installed at a football field in Prince Albert to honour a young player who died in a plane crash.

Max Clunie, 15, was killed in July.

His father, Russell Clunie, said the idea to install lights at the field arose as he recalled his son being impressed playing under lights during a game in Saskatoon.

"We played in the Kinsmen Football League," Clunie said. "Him and I were driving home in the car... and he just looked at me and said, 'Why can't we play under the lights? Why don't we have lights in P.A.? You should get lights up in P.A., dad.'"

Max Clunie asked his dad if Prince Albert could play football games at night. Courtesy: Russel Clunie

His son's observation resonated and soon after the boy's death, Russell — who was also a football coach — was part of the Friday Night Lights committee.

Another committee member, Randy Emmerson, said the community responded generously — and quickly — raising the needed funds to get lights in just three weeks.

"It's not how you fall, it's how you rebound," Emmerson said, recalling how people took to the project in the face of their grief. "I think this is part of the rebound for our community."

Russell Clunie said the family has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support.

"The support is absolutely part of our healing." he said. "We're not healed, but it's been wonderful."

The football field was also renamed The Max Clunie Field.

(With files from CBC's Ryan Pilon)