Denver Trail Lighting Master Plan
Project Type
Master Planning, Dark Sky
Location
Denver, CO
Year
2022
Team
Matrix
Comprehensive Lighting Solutions for an Expanding Trail Network.
Denver Parks & Recreation commissioned Clanton & Associates to study and develop strategies for improving lighting across its extensive trail network. The study’s focus was to enhance safety and accessibility while minimizing environmental impacts and promoting equity. Through a data-driven approach, the study examined current lighting conditions, trail usage patterns, and evolving technologies to guide the future of trail lighting in Denver.
Clanton & Associates conducted site visits and photometric measurements across multiple trails, assessing existing lighting against national standards. Key recommendations included strategies for continuous, non-continuous, and minimal lighting tailored to trail typologies, adjacent land uses, and ecological sensitivities. The study emphasized using warmer color temperatures near natural habitats and implementing lighting zones to balance visibility with environmental considerations.
Equity was a central focus, with a GIS-based scoring system developed to prioritize lighting investments in underserved neighborhoods. The study also explored the potential of solar-powered lighting, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental footprint for trails in remote areas. Recommendations extended to vandal-resistant fixtures, adaptive dimming for low-usage hours, and enhancing commuter safety through well-lit connections to transit hubs.
By integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the Denver Trail Lighting Study provides a roadmap for creating safer, more accessible, and environmentally conscious trail systems that serve all Denver residents.
