Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve Car Park Lighting

Introduction

This lighting installation formed part of a $1.53m project to deliver a new modern netball pavilion at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve. The project included a range of major upgrades to improve visibility and usability at the site, including improved accessible parking, upgrades to pedestrian crossings and new LED car park lighting.

This project was funded by the Victorian Government Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, Bass Coast Shire Council and the Wonthaggi Power Football Netball Club.

Site profile

The Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve attracts a broad regional and local user demographic including junior and adult players, spectators (including parents and elderly grandparents) and club officials, all representing high foot traffic.

Vehicles enter and exit frequently in high density at peak times as people move between drop-off zones, courts and the oval areas. There is high use during twilight hours and on weekends as games and practice sessions turnover, at times in darkness or poor weather.

Project requirements

This project required a specialised lighting solution that would satisfy the following requirements and considerations:

• Vehicle/driver visibility: Adequate recognition lighting across 60 parking spaces so drivers can spot pedestrians, adjust vehicle speed and navigate the space safely.
• Pedestrian safety: High-contrast illumination so users can identify adjacent walkways and navigate safely on foot between cars and court facilities.
• Ecological and wildlife impact: Low-spill lighting to minimise impact to flora and fauna in the adjacent Wonthaggi G240 Bushland Reserve.
• Legislative and standards compliance including AS/NZS 1158 (Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces) for public car parks and pedestrian zones.

Where possible, this client seeks eco-friendly, sustainable solutions that satisfy operational needs, community expectations and environmental values (energy-efficient and budget-friendly).

Products

The Plusrite products supplied for this project were:

• 8 x Plusrite Solar Slim Area Light (30W 6K)
• 4 x Plusrite 4M Hinged Light Pole.

The Plusrite Solar Slim Area Light (30W 6K) provides excellent illumination for visibility and safety in open outdoor spaces. It is ideal for street lighting, car parks, driveways, footpaths and crossings, building surrounds, outdoor event spaces and more.

For more on this product, see the Product Specifications Sheet, or visit the Plusrite LED Solar Street Light Range and Plusrite Street Light Poles.

Car park lighting design

Plusrite provided professional advice regarding lighting design for the car park installation. Based on the site characteristics, it was determined that 8x 30W/6000lm lighting units at four key locations in the car park would achieve the required illumination.

At a height of 4 metres with two lighting units per pole, each unit was individually angled to direct illumination precisely where required, using custom brackets. Positioning considered locations of the surrounding trees to ensure sufficient access to solar for charging.

This design provides appropriate vertical illumination for pedestrians and vehicles and uniform lighting distribution to avoid excessive contrast, dark spots and glare. This also addressed specific compliance requirements for lighting installations where there are pedestrian areas and vehicular traffic, including entry and exit points.

The right lighting solution, delivered

The lighting design and product selection satisfied the client’s project requirements and more:

• Compliant 6000K (6K cool daylight) illumination for safety, contrast and security
• Low-spill design minimises light pollution (less light emitted adjacent to the bush reserve)
• Hinged pole design can be lowered (accessibility for adjustments/maintenance)
• IP65 and IK08 rated (impact & weather protected for long-term community use)
• Minimal intrusion and lower installation costs (no new cabling required)
• Energy-efficient LED technology (low maintenance, extended lifespan)
• Licence plates, vehicles and faces far clearer at night for CCTV systems
• Solar-powered (eco-friendly, no ongoing power costs)

The high 6K colour temperature provides accurate colour rendering and sharp contrast making hazards and structural surroundings easier to spot quickly. The Type 3 beam angle provides a wide oval light distribution, covering the car park effectively while reducing the number of lights needed.

This was a long-term, cost-effective, environmentally-friendly solution for Bass Coast Shire Council.

Contact Plusrite today

Plusrite are the leaders in modern and innovative commercial, urban and industrial lighting. We would be pleased to offer you a consultation and Customised Commercial Lighting Design (free upon request), based on your specific project requirements.

Get in touch with our friendly team today on (03) 9708 2552 for a chat about your next commercial project.