City to test innovative lighting system at Desert Highland Park playground ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

*A pilot program that would help illuminate playground equipment at Desert Highland Park (seen here) is in the works.*

Palm Springs Parks and Recreation officials are planning to light up the night at Desert Highland Park with a new playground lighting system that would be the first of its kind in the city.

The innovative project, discussed the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Monday, aims to create a safer, more accessible playground environment during evening hours at the park.

Parks and Recreation Director Nicholas Gonzalez noted that the lighting initiative is part of a larger playground replacement project scheduled for later this year at the 18-acre park at 480 Tramview Road.

“With that new design, we are looking to pilot some solar lights that will light the play structure,” Gonzalez said. “Our team is currently meeting with solar light vendors to assess the site, ensure we are in compliance with the city’s dark sky ordinance, and are reviewing pricing.”

According to Gonzalez, if successful, the model could be applied to other play structures throughout Palm Springs. Officials are currently assessing whether the lighting costs can be incorporated into the broader playground project.

The lighting plan would illuminate both the park’s exercise equipment perimeter and playground areas, which include separate designated areas for children. It would be designed to turn off at the park’s closing time, following city light ordinance requirements.

In addition to the playground lighting, the department is exploring perimeter pathway lighting around the park’s fitness stations. That larger project would utilize Prop 68 state grant funding.

“The initial estimate for pathway lighting design, including engineering and landscaping is approximately $69,000,” Gonzalez said via email. “The estimate to procure and install solar lighting fixtures for the perimeter pathway of the park is approximately $231,000.”

Gonzalez noted that current funding is insufficient to cover the total project cost, so officials are currently assessing how to proceed.

During their meeting, commissioners expressed support for the lighting concept, which would make the playground both more visible and more usable during evening hours, particularly important during hot desert months when many families utilize parks after sunset.

No formal vote was taken on the project as it was presented as an informational update. Parks officials indicated they would provide additional details as the planning progresses.