Fowlds Park is a well-used multi-sport facility in Mount Albert, Auckland, featuring rugby league fields and netball courts. Auckland Council sought a lighting design solution that balanced high-performance illumination for players with visual appeal and minimal disruption to surrounding residents and the park’s green landscape.

Stephenson & Turner developed a custom sports lighting design using tapered round poles with curved outreach arms—reminiscent of tree branches—to blend with the park’s natural environment. Each arm supports Philips Optivision LED luminaires, delivering a precise 30° asymmetric beam that reduces glare and obtrusive spill to nearby homes.

Finished in Permanent Green, the poles seamlessly integrate with mature trees and enhance the overall visual harmony of the park. The LED lighting system efficiently lights all three rugby fields and two netball courts, while supporting energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

The lighting is fully integrated with Auckland Council’s IRRInet irrigation and lighting control system, allowing remote management of individual poles and tailored lighting of specific field zones. The system also features an automatic 9:30pm curfew, with a 15-minute safety light-down period to support safe public exit.