In the heart of Kingston lies one of Tasmania’s best playgrounds, nestled along Whitewater Creek and seamlessly connected to a network of pathways that link the Kingborough communities to the Kingston CBD, shops, and services.
Kingborough Mayor, Paula Wriedt said the park emerged from a community-driven placemaking strategy.
“Guided by the community’s vision to create more green spaces, interconnected pathways, and an inviting public realm, the park was designed to seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings,” Cr Wriedt said.
“The result is a space that both stimulates the imagination and enhances the natural environment.
As the park took shape, Council navigated the delicate balance of illuminating the 1.6 km of shared pathways without compromising safety or disturbing the local nocturnal wildlife.
“The challenge was to provide lighting that did not contribute to light pollution, a particularly difficult task given the area’s previous lack of streetlights.”
Lighting designers, Southern Lighting worked with Council staff to ensure light pollution was dramatically reduced to respect the habitats, breeding and migration of animals and birdlife, using a pioneering lighting approach in Tasmania.
“Specifically designed for sensitive environmental areas, the selected lighting, with a 2200K temperature, emits only about 6% blue wavelengths, making it suitable for such settings,” Cr Wriedt said.
“This marks a significant step towards ensuring our skies remain dark at night whilst coexistence with wildlife.
“Park visitors can now travel through the park safely while respecting the natural rhythms of the nocturnal creatures.”
Kingston Park stands as a testament to community-driven planning, where nature and recreation coexist in perfect harmony.
Jackie Chan – Photography
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan