Recreational & Park Lighting

Park lighting has a dual purpose. Beyond the obviously functional, it must also generate a number of intangibles that may not readily appear at face value, but nevertheless impact the mind and emotions on a subconscious level. Most people have a deep appreciation for gardens, parks, and Nature, so first and foremost, the technology utilized when lighting a park must blend into a natural setting and compliment the aesthetics of vegetation and ornamentation. Without this sense of harmony, the park will lack the feeling of retreat and comfort it represents, and people will not feel comfortable there. Furthermore, as more and more people experience feelings of angst within themselves over the problematics of global instability and recession, many of them look back to simpler times they perceive to be more stable, simple, and idyllic. Parks speak to these people as well, and park lighting for these visitors should carry a touch of nostalgia whenever possible. Historical fixtures and decorative poles cast in Early Colonial designs or reminiscent of European street lamps will often make a person feel as though they have stepped back in time. Finally, because Nature itself consists of countless forms proportioned according to the “golden ratio”, park lighting fixtures and poles should reflect a superior sense of geometric design and proportion in order to harmoniously compliment their surroundings.

This by no means goes to imply that the practical elements of lighting design should be neglected in a park lighting system. The safety and comfort of park guests must be accommodated as much as their sensibilities. Luminance should be evenly around bench areas and along sidewalks in all places. It should also shine under trees near the sidewalk as well, as most people who visit parks spend time under the trees, so keeping these areas shadow free maximizes safety for nighttime visitors and gives less opportunity for criminal mischief to use darkness as a cover. Park lighting should be brighter still in areas around public restrooms and fountains, as unseen moisture on the concrete in these places can create a slip hazard for people. Parking lots should be lit according to the same footcandle requirements as commercial parking lots, although lighting poles used near parks tend to be more decorative and often much shorter than commercial poles. Concrete poles are rapidly gaining preferred status as park lighting poles because they are so durable, feature a multitude of geometric diversity, and are very difficult to vandalize.

RLLD Commercial Lighting keeps all these factors foremost in mind when adding to our rapidly growing selection of park lights and park lighting poles. Not only does this allow us to meet the needs of any municipality, large or small, but it also enables us to work with architects, builders, and contractors developing “park-like” areas on large corporate campuses that require the same decorative touch as municipal retreats and recreational areas. Diversity is the key to our wide range of options. Larger light fixtures on decorative poles are intended for general lighting of pedestrian areas and large segments of the park itself. Smaller decorative lighting bollards can then add accent and décor that draws special attention to indigenous vegetation, public gardens, statuary, ponds, and waterfalls.

All of our pole mounted fixtures, regardless of ornamentation or style, are fitted with reflectors and glare shields which soften the light and prevent direct light from spilling out of the park in violation of dark sky laws that limit light pollution in business and residential areas. If you or your contract lighting designer has any questions about dark sky laws in your area, or if you need more information on foot candle minimums for certain areas in your park, call an RLLD Commercial Lighting specialist today.

All consultations are free for clients and serious inquirers, and casual inquirers can receive the same quality of lighting design support for a small, reasonable fee.