Parks & Recreation

We believe that thriving communities are built through vibrant, accessible parks and recreation spaces. Our electrical designs power more than just lighting, they enhance safety, expand usability, and bring people together through dynamic, sustainable infrastructure. Whether illuminating an amphitheater, powering irrigation systems, or creating interactive splash pads, we engineer solutions that elevate the public experience while reducing environmental impact.

We design with intention, helping cities and park districts deliver reliable, efficient, and engaging spaces for recreation, wellness, and social connection. Our design solutions support long-term cost savings, environmental stewardship, and the diverse needs of park users. Every project reflects our commitment to improving quality of life and strengthening communities.

Purpose-Driven Design for Every Recreation Environment

Our approach to parks and recreation is rooted in public service. With each project, we aim to:

• Ensure safety and visibility through well-placed, energy-efficient lighting
• Expand access to public amenities with ADA-compliant and user-friendly infrastructure
• Support sustainability with smart controls and energy efficient devices
• Foster community connection by enabling year-round events, activities, and programming
• Reduce operational costs with low-maintenance, durable systems designed for longevity

Extensive Experience in Parks & Recreation Projects

We’ve helped municipalities across the region transform recreational spaces with resilient, thoughtfully engineered electrical systems. Our experience includes:

For more than two decades, Ackerman Engineering Inc. has partnered with municipalities and parks departments to bring community spaces to life. From small neighborhood parks to regional destinations, we provide creative, efficient, and scalable electrical engineering that supports recreation, wellness, and environmental goals—now and for future generations.

Denver Public Schools partnered with Musco Lighting and Ackerman Engineering, Inc. to upgrade the aging field lighting at All City Stadium—a central venue for student-athletes across the district. The existing system no longer met performance standards, posed maintenance challenges, and consumed excessive energy. The new LED lighting system was part of a larger district initiative to improve safety, enhance the student and spectator experience, and align with the City of Denver’s sustainability goals. This project ensures that the stadium remains a vibrant, high-quality space for student events, athletic competitions, and community gatherings.

Ackerman Engineering provided comprehensive electrical engineering services to support the design and implementation of the new field lighting system. AEI conducted a detailed survey of the existing electrical infrastructure, designed modifications to accommodate the upgraded system, and coordinated power and control requirements with Musco and DPS. AEI also prepared full construction documents and electrical load calculations to ensure code compliance and a smooth installation process.

The upgraded lighting now delivers consistent, professional-quality illumination at 50 footcandles across the entire field, significantly improving visibility and safety for players and spectators alike. The system achieves a 75% reduction in energy consumption and minimizes light spill to surrounding neighborhoods. With a 25-year maintenance-free warranty, the project supports long-term cost savings while reinforcing DPS’s commitment to energy efficiency and student-centered facilities.

Photo Credit: Musco

Ackerman Engineering, Inc. partnered with the Town of Parker and the broader design team to help bring Discovery Park to life—an innovative, year-round destination in the heart of downtown. The park was envisioned as a vibrant community hub, offering interactive fountains in the summer, a meandering ice ribbon in the winter, and a performance stage for events throughout the year. Discovery Park reflects the Town’s commitment to public spaces that foster connection, recreation, and culture in all seasons.

Ackerman Engineering led the electrical engineering scope for the project, delivering full design and construction documents for the park’s diverse amenities. This included electrical service design for the chiller and refrigeration systems supporting the seasonal ice ribbon, power coordination for the water feature’s pumps, restroom and concession facilities, and general park lighting. AEI also provided lighting and power systems for the performance stage, public art, and seating areas—balancing safety, functionality, and atmosphere. Coordination with local utility providers and the Town of Parker ensured seamless integration with surrounding infrastructure, including the adjacent library.

The result is a dynamic, four-season public space that brings residents together for recreation, performance, and celebration. Discovery Park now features intuitive, energy-efficient lighting, resilient infrastructure, and thoughtfully designed amenities that serve the community day and night, year-round. AEI’s experience helped the Town of Parker realize its vision of an inclusive, accessible park that enhances quality of life and strengthens civic identity.

As one of the most cherished public spaces in the Vail Valley, Ford Park has served as a recreational, cultural, and social cornerstone for over five decades. Home to everything from community picnics to large-scale concerts and national sporting events, the park accommodates hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. When the Town of Vail undertook efforts to update the park’s infrastructure, Ackerman Engineering was proud to partner with the design team to support improvements that uphold the park’s original vision as a vibrant, inclusive public green space.

Ackerman Engineering provided electrical engineering services focused on upgrading the park’s lighting controls. Our team reviewed wireless lighting control system options and collaborated closely with the Town to design and specify a solution that integrates seamlessly with the existing pedestrian pole lighting. By leveraging modern, wireless control technologies, AEI’s design enhances energy efficiency, improves system responsiveness, and minimizes operational complexity—while preserving the aesthetic and environmental sensitivity that define the park.

The lighting control upgrade represents a thoughtful, forward-looking improvement that supports Ford Park’s continued evolution as a safe, accessible, and welcoming place for locals and visitors alike. With a smarter, more adaptable lighting system in place, the Town of Vail can better manage the park’s nighttime atmosphere, support diverse events and activities, and ensure that this beloved green space continues to thrive for generations to come.