Kingston Parklands: A sustainable space for play, inclusion and environmental protection

With the Kingston Parklands near the Tasmanian capital Hobart, the landscape architects from Playstreet have created a green park and play oasis on the site of the former Kingston High School in the centre of the ever-growing community of Kingborough. The extensive leisure areas offer an attractive range of entertainment and activities for all age groups. The lighting of the site has been designed with the utmost consideration for the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area, whilst ensuring good visual conditions in the areas used by people at night.

In order to minimise the dramatic effects of light pollution on wildlife, special attention was paid to environmentally friendly lighting during the planning phase. The animal inhabitants, such as pademelons, native chickens, snakes, skinks and, last but not least, the highly endangered endemic swallow parakeets, were not to be impaired in their habitat. ‘Light only where it is really needed’ was therefore the top priority in the planning – for example on the pavements to ensure safe movement. Other project considerations included precise control of the light distribution and intelligent control as well as the use of warm light colours – implemented with robust, durable luminaires made of high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials.

In collaboration with WE-EF sales partner Southern Lighting & Distribution, based in Hobart, a customised lighting concept was developed for the project using VFL530 pole-mounted luminaires. On the one hand, it consists of the pathway lighting of the Creek Pathway, which is designed with a colour temperature of 2200 K throughout and therefore produces a very warm light. A total of 22 VFL530 luminaires with [P65] optics are used here for pedestrian/bicycle lane light distribution. The playgrounds in the park are illuminated with a colour temperature of 2700 K. To visually enhance and accentuate certain play areas, some of the luminaires were also fitted with [P65] optics, while the remaining VFL530 pole-mounted luminaires are equipped with [S65] optics for asymmetric side-throw light distribution. This ensures safety and maximum visual comfort for visitors. The project is an impressive demonstration of how to meet the recreational needs of the community while minimising the impact on wildlife: “The use of 2200K luminaires along the entire pathway alongside the stream represents a ground-breaking step forward for the protection of darkness and wildlife,” explains Liz Quinn, Head of Environment at Kingborough Borough Council.

Completed: 2022
Client: Kingborough Council
Sales Partner: Southern Lighting and Distribution
Electrical Engineer: Stage 1 – JMG Engineers & Planners; Stage 2: CES
Landscape Architect: Playstreet
Photography: Jackie Chan