How thoughtful lighting design can draw people back into parks 

We sat down with Tim Barker, Managing Director, and Neil Purdue, Technical Director at Acrospire, to talk about what it really takes to light a park well – and why it’s about far more than just putting up a few lanterns. 

“Parks are meant to be open and welcoming, but without the right lighting, they can actually become places people avoid,” says Tim. “Especially after dark.” 

During the pandemic, parks and green spaces became a lifeline – places to escape, connect, and breathe. But now, as life has sped back up, many people only find time to visit outside of daylight hours. This makes dusk and evening access, more important than ever, and with that comes the need for thoughtful, safety-led lighting design. 

From making heritage sites shine without compromising their character, to installing solar-powered lighting where mains power isn’t viable, Acrospire has worked with councils across the UK to bring public spaces to life – safely and sustainably. 

What’s the most common challenge in park lighting? 

“Fitting lighting into tight budgets while still creating something that feels safe, welcoming and attractive,” explains Neil. “That often means getting creative – like refurbishing old lanterns instead of replacing them or using solar where civil works would be too costly.” 

What are people overlooking when they design public space lighting? 

“Paths and entrances usually get the focus, but things like footbridges, bandstands and seating areas really benefit from sensitive feature lighting,” Neil adds. “It makes a space more usable and a whole lot more inviting after dark.” 

Are solar solutions really reliable in the UK? 

“Absolutely,” says Tim. “There’s a misconception that solar doesn’t work well here, but modern systems are incredibly efficient—even on overcast days. The MSL-50, a solution that we can install in covered areas such as canopies and shelters, for example, offers up to 61 hours of autonomy, and it’s already proving its value in real-world settings like Luton.” 

How do you balance safety with sustainability? 

“It’s not about flooding spaces with light,” says Neil. “It’s about delivering the right light, in the right place, at the right time. Smart controls like PIR sensors or dimming can reduce energy use while still creating safe, usable environments. And warm colour temperatures help protect wildlife too.” 

So, where should someone start? 

Whether you’re working with a listed park or a new greenway, Tim recommends starting with the human experience: “Think about how people use the space. Where do they walk? Where do they stop? Where do they feel vulnerable? Lighting should support that.” 

To help councils and designers rethink how parks are lit, Acrospire has created a free, practical guide full of ideas, case studies and product suggestions – including projects in Victoria Park, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Luton. 

Download the Lighting for Parks and Public Spaces guide  

“Lighting doesn’t just help people see,” says Tim. “Done well, it helps them feel seen – and that changes everything.”