Park Lighting

Any type of outdoor lighting needs to meet certain criteria to be successful. A public park is a space designed to be enjoyed by the community as a spot perfect for all sorts of events. From trails to walk the dog to pavilions for birthday parties, the local park is usually a place of a lot of activity by residents which is why the lighting is so important. When it comes to lighting tips for parks, this area has a few special considerations to keep in mind. Hopefully, these helpful lighting tips for parks can make it easier to navigate.

1. Light for Safety First and Foremost

The relationship between lighting and safety is definitely worth noting. The top priority of any lighting solution in an outdoor area should serve the purpose of safety and security as the top priority. It is a proven tactic that in order to create a safe environment, lighting should be high in lumen count for a sharp brightness. While the matter of brightness matters, you also need to be aware of dark spots where a lack of lighting can lead to potential trouble. For example, any area such as walkways, benches, or steps, needs to be properly illuminated to ensure safety and security.

2. Choose Efficiency over Appearance

For park lighting to meet the goals of safety and security mentioned above, the lights need to run all night to avoid creating opportunities for shady activities. With this in mind, choosing energy efficient lighting is the best way to go. For instance, LED lights consume less energy while producing higher lumen outputs than a typical fluorescent or induction light. Too many parks will choose their lighting applications based on how the appearance works with the design of the park instead of focusing on efficiency, and it can play a role in the high energy costs associated with light operation at night.

3. Pay Attention to Temperature

While lumen output and efficiency are essential, the color temperature is also key to successful park lighting. Warmer temperatures tend to create a yellow tinge which is relaxing. Cooler temperatures create a white or even bluish hue that aids alertness. While there are benefits to each one, you will need to consider the surroundings of the park. If the park is in a residential area where light pollution is a concern, opting for warmer temperatures can help since they are free of blue wavelengths which disrupt the circadian rhythm needed for sleep. If the park is more of a city setting where the bigger issue is the concern of crime, opting for cool lights will help since they influence humans to be more alert and awake.