Will lighting outdoor sports facilities help Victorians to be more active?

In 2025, Sport and Recreation Victoria commissioned research to explore if and how lighting public outdoor sports facilities could encourage more Victorians to be physically active.

The research provided insights into which barriers to participation may be removed by providing suitable lighting, and what other factors need to be considered to encourage use by the community outside of organised sport usage.

Research comprised 2 phases:

• Phase 1 Knowledge review: review of published literature and case study interviews with 3 councils (Greater Bendigo City Council, Maroondah City Council, and Wyndham City Council).
• Phase 2 Community research: online community forum with 40 Victorians aged 18-70 over 2 days in June 2025. Participants were split evenly across the general community and inactive women aged 35-64.

The research revealed real interest in using lit facilities, particularly over the winter period, however lighting alone will not remove all barriers. Careful execution is required to address barriers and encourage participation by sectors of the community not currently using these facilities.

Downloads

Summary report

Phase 1 Knowledge Review – full report

Phase 2 Community Research – full report