As the beating heart of any city, parks play a vital role in improving the morale and health of the community. But these beautiful green spaces are not only usable during daylight hours. Proper lighting of parks can transform these delightful environments into safe and attractive hangouts for people at all hours of the night. In this article from EDC, we intend to comprehensively examine park lighting. It also explains the importance and necessity of its lighting, as well as the principles and creative ideas for lighting different parts of the park.

Why is park lighting important?

Purchasing park lights and lighting parks has several benefits that can be divided into three general categories:

1. Increased security

Dark parks are a haven for criminals and profiteers. Adequate lighting, especially on walking paths, cycling paths and playgrounds, can prevent crime and significantly increase people’s safety.

2. Improved beauty and attractiveness

Creative lighting can give parks a beautiful and eye-catching appearance and turn them into a cozy and inviting space to spend leisure time. Using different colors and lighting techniques can give each park a unique identity and theme.

3. Development of use

With proper lighting, parks can also be used at night. This helps to promote sports, cultural and social activities in parks and makes more efficient use of urban green spaces.

Lighting Each Part of the Park Has a Different Story

The lighting of each part of the park should be done according to its use and characteristics. Below are some ideas and tips for lighting different parts of the park:

Park Floor Lighting

Using recessed lights or underground lighting can give a modern and beautiful look to park floors and can be used to create creative lines and light patterns.

Lighting Type: Soft and localized lighting
Suitable lights: LED recessed lights, LED strip lights
Walking and cycling paths

Using linear lights or short bases along paths provides uniform and desirable lighting for safe and comfortable passage of people.

Lighting Type: Bright and symmetrical lighting using energy-efficient LED lights
Suitable lights: Street lights
Trees and flowers

Lighting trees and flowers using shadow and halo techniques can create a dreamy and dreamy atmosphere in the park.

Lighting Type: Spot or local lighting using projectors or LED lights
Suitable lights: RGB LED projectors, LED hose lights
Park entrance lighting

Park entrance lighting should be clearly visible and reflect the identity and theme of the park.

Lighting Type: Accent and decorative lighting
Suitable lights: Exterior wall lights, LED pendant lights
Pond and lake

Pond and lake lighting using waterproof lights can give these spaces an eye-catching and dynamic effect and showcase the dance of light and water.

Type of lighting: Combined lighting and ambient lighting
Suitable lights: Waterproof LED lights, waterproof LED projectors
Park lighting rules and standards

In addition to beauty and efficiency, park lighting must also comply with specific rules and standards to prevent light pollution, glare, and potential risks to human health and the environment. Here are some of these rules and standards:

1. Preventing light pollution
Use energy-efficient, high-quality lights to reduce energy consumption and prevent light pollution
Use lights with adjustable angle and height (so that the light does not shine directly into the sky.)
Use shade for lights to control light emission
2. Glare prevention
Use lights with high CRI (color rendering index) to provide quality and natural light
Avoid using bright lights with a direct beam angle in people’s line of sight
Use a diffuser or opaque coating to diffuse light and reduce glare
3. Protect human health and the environment

Use LED lights free of mercury and harmful substances to protect human health and the environment
Avoid using xenon and fluorescent lights due to high energy consumption and UV radiation
Maintain appropriate distance between lights and trees and plants to prevent damage to them
4. Lighting standards
The level of illumination on walking and cycling paths should be between 2 and 4 lux.
The level of illumination in children’s play areas should be between 10 and 20 lux.
The level of illumination in open park areas such as lawns and gardens should be between 0.5 and 1 lux.
5. Other standards
Use waterproof and weatherproof lights
Follow safety principles in wiring and installing lights
Perform periodic maintenance of lighting systems
Important points in lighting parks

In addition to the rules and standards mentioned, it is also important to pay attention to the following points in lighting parks:

Using appropriate colors: Choosing the right color of light for each part of the park can help create the desired mood and atmosphere in that space. For example, warm lights can be used to create an intimate space and cold lights can be used to create a modern and dynamic space.
Creating variety in lighting: Using different types of lights and lighting techniques can prevent monotony and boredom in the space and add to the visual appeal of the park.
Paying attention to natural elements: In lighting parks, attention should be paid to natural elements such as trees, flowers, and rocks, and lighting should be used in a way that showcases their beauty.
Use of smart control systems: Using smart control systems for lighting parks can help save energy and adjust lighting at different times of the night.
Creative ideas for lighting parks

Creative lighting breathes new life into parks at night, turning them into sparkling gems amidst the mass of buildings. With a little creativity and artistic flair, lighting can be used to create beautiful, safe, and dynamic spaces in parks. Here are some creative ideas for lighting parks:

Using colored projectors or LED strip lights, you can turn tree trunks into canvases and create unique and eye-catching designs and patterns by shining colored lights on them. This will give the park a magical and imaginative look and will attract the attention of every passerby.
Using buried or linear lights along walking and cycling paths not only provides sufficient lighting for walking and cycling, but also draws streaks of light in the dark of the night that guide passers-by on a safe and beautiful path.
By using waterproof and strip lights under the water and around the pond and fountain, you can display a magical dance of light and water. The reflection of light on the water surface creates a unique and spectacular effect and creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.
You can create light sculptures in different parts of the park using LED or fiber optic lights. These sculptures can be abstract shapes, animals, cartoon characters or anything else that depends on your creativity.
By using scaffolding or temporary structures and LED strip lights, you can create light tunnels in parts of the park. Passing through these tunnels will be a unique and exciting experience for visitors, especially children.
In addition to helping to preserve the environment, solar lights can be used in areas of the park where there is no access to electricity. These lights absorb sunlight during the day and turn on at night, giving the park a beautiful and modern look.
Using smart lighting systems allows you to control and adjust the light of the lights at different times of the night and according to your needs. This will help save more energy and create a dynamic space that is appropriate for different conditions.
Conclusion
Park lighting is an elegant and practical art that can play a fundamental role in improving the quality and attractiveness of these urban green spaces. By adhering to laws and standards, using creative ideas, and paying attention to important points, we can transform parks into beautiful spaces and use them as safe, beautiful, and functional spaces for people to spend their leisure time at all hours of the night.