Lighting for park and recreation areas should prioritize safety, visibility, ambiance, and environmental stewardship. Key considerations include providing adequate illumination based on activity level—generally 5–10 fc for active areas and lower levels for walkways and plazas with less night activity. Lighting should focus on paths, gathering spots, steps, and activity zones, and placed to ensure even light distribution, reduce glare and shadows, and highlight unique park features. Durability is important—luminaires should be vandal-resistant and feature Ingress Protection ratings (IP64 at minimum), especially in public and high-traffic areas. Finally, lighting design should comply with local guidelines, support wayfinding, discourage illicit activities, and maintain a secure, welcoming environment for all park visitors.