Residents of Walmer Estate can now enjoy recreational and sporting activities after dark, thanks to the installation of solar-powered floodlights at the community sports field.
The exciting new initiative was launched by the City of Cape Town’s Sport, Recreation and Amenities Department in conjunction with electronics company Philips on Tuesday 14 May 2013.
The new “Community Light Centre” at the City’s YMO St Lukes Sports Fields in Upper Cambridge Street in Walmer Estate comprises an area of around 1 000m² lit using Philips solar-powered light emitting diode (LED) lighting. The solar panels are fitted to the top of the light masts and power the lights with energy which has been conserved in a battery system installed at the base of the light pole.
This will provide efficient, sustainable lighting in terms of energy usage and running costs. The solar-powered lights installed at the sports field consume only 56W of power. It will also mean that the lighting is not dependent on Eskom power supply.
Phillips supplied and installed the electrical lighting system following discussions with the City of Cape Town and is in the process of rolling out similar projects across the continent.
“The City welcomes this initiative as it will maximise the use of the sports facilities and enable access for the community to evening sports and recreation activities,” said Alderman Belinda Walker, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Special Projects.
“While I know very little about sport, I am very aware of the importance of providing positive recreational activities for our children and young people, and we are all pleased that the lights will extend the playing hours, especially in winter with our long Cape Town nights.”
She thanked Philips for their donation and for sharing their expertise, as well as City officials involved in the project and Walmer Estate residents for allowing their fields to be used for the pilot project.
