A project has been completed at Chalvey Recreation Ground to provide new solar lighting across the park alongside a new path, making walking through it at dusk and in the evening a safer experience.
The footpath and solar powered lighting were installed after the council worked with Chalvey Community Partnership and through focus groups and surveys (online and street based). The recreation ground was identified as a location that would benefit from some improvements to increase feelings of safety. This project was also supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
There was previously no path connecting the park’s main entrances and no lighting in the park. Now completed, the path consists of 16 solar lights on six metre columns and a 1.5m wide tarmac path. The path has created a circular walk linking the park’s main features (playground, MUGA, and outdoor gym) and entrances, helping to encourage use of the park for exercise.
The lighting columns are 100% solar, there are no energy costs, the dimmer setting also enables lower energy consumption, the columns emit less light pollution, and they are less harmful to wildlife and the environment.
Mohammed Ahmed, Chairman for Chalvey Community Partnership, said: “We are delighted that the work to make the Chalvey Recreation Ground has been completed. Parks provide a safe place for communities to connect, enjoy the outdoors and be active. As a result of the new footpath and solar lights going up, we have seen a significant increase in the number of people using the park. Feedback shows that improving local amenities helps to improve the local area through usage and make it feel safer.”
Councillor Mohammed Nazir, lead member for transport and the local environment, said: “This project has already encouraged higher usage of the recreation ground, and will continue to do so particularly in the winter months, during the shorter days.”
“It’s great to see that by making these additions to the recreation ground, residents are feeling safer and enjoying the space more.”
Image of Chalvey Rec taken by David Frost from Solar Vision.