By Mikayla Van Loon
For Croydon and Kilsyth residents looking to get in that night time exercise, Town Park may be the solution with extended lighting hours.
Maroondah City Council has extended the hours the Croydon Athletics Track is lit up by lights on Mondays and Wednesdays to encourage active behaviour during the winter.
Starting on Wednesday 14 June and running until Wednesday 27 September, Town Park’s lights will be turned on between 6pm and 8pm.
Maroondah Council Mayor Rob Steane said extended light hours were first introduced in 2021 and have been well received by the community ever since.
“Extended lighting hours at Town Park, Croydon were introduced to encourage community
members to be active by providing a safe place to exercise at night during winter when
daylight hours are shorter,” he said.
Highlighting the advantages of walking on the Maroondah Council website, it lists the range of health benefits associated with just walking at least 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes five times a week.
These include a reduced risk of heart disease, a reduced risk of stroke by 35 per cent and Type 2 diabetes by 40 per cent, improved balance and coordination, which in turn reduces the risk of falls and other injuries and improved daily mood which over time leads to better mental health.
Ensuring people could safely walk at night and still achieve their exercise goals in a reliable location added to the decision to light up Town Park.
“Town Park was selected as a suitable location due to the accessible nature of the track
and its resistance to impacts from wet weather,” Cr Steane said.
Being flat, it also makes it entirely wheelchair and pram friendly, making it accessible for all in the community.
“There has been increased use of the facility and community feedback on social media has been overwhelmingly positive,” Cr Steane said.
