The Cortina project, led by Boca Raton, Florida-based JKM Developers, is in the first stages of creating a residential and recreational development in Boynton Beach. While in the process of site planning, JKM and the city made a deal: JKM would receive a portion of the city property adjacent to their development site and, in turn, JKM would create a city park within Cortina. “The result was a better site plan for us,” says JKM Principal Jeff Johnson, “and a fully funded, finished park for the city.”

The three-acre park, which borders a lake, includes a highly used one-acre dog park and a meandering one-and-a-half mile greenway running through the future residential area. “This green space has created a bit of serenity and beauty in a highly developed area of the city,” says Johnson.

Landscape Forms’ lighting caught the eye of John Markey, JKM’s managing partner. “John felt their fixtures were the BMWs of public lighting,” says Johnson. “Markey is an architect by training and someone who understands that good design and quality make a difference,” explains Landscape Forms’ project lead Luis Salazar. “JKM wants Cortina to have a high-end look and knew that the right lighting would make the project more special. Once JKM saw that Landscape Forms could meet all codes and regulations, there was no question about their lighting decision. They loved the design.”

The 172 Lo-Glo lights that line the greenway path add to the ambiance of the space. “The greenway can be used at night,” explains Salazar, “so lighting had to meet the city’s requirements and provide a sense of security and safety necessary for a public space but at the same time not over light the adjacent residential area.” That’s where Landscape Forms’ technical specialists came in.

Landscape Forms worked with JKM and Salazar to measure light based on the site plan. This was a complicated project, and the solution needed to meet municipal codes, light trespass, security and safety, and aesthetic goals.

 “We wanted to eliminate negative impact into the homes and backyards of the adjacent residential area. Our initial choice of Hi-Glo streetlights along the greenway resulted in light trespass. That’s when we made the decision to use Lo-Glo pathway lights instead,” says JKM's Johnson.

Three more photometric studies in three days finalized the lighting plan. The Lo-Glo lights keep the light within the pathway and out of the residents’ windows and yards. “Lo-Glo makes the path shine and look beautiful,” says Johnson.

Three Signal streetlights with 20-foot high poles were selected for the service area at the dog park and 12 Signal lights with 25-foot-high poles line the new roadway that connects the Cortina development with the neighboring retail area. Landscape Forms conducted photometric studies for these areas as well, though additional criteria had to be met for pole lights.

Florida’s building code requires pole lights withstand hurricane-force wind speeds. Landscape Forms tested each of the light poles for wind load resistance. To meet the requirements, Landscape Forms modified the 15 Signal lights by adding one-half inch to the diameter of the poles.

“The lighting at Cortina transforms the landscaping and the environment,” says Johnson. “It also adds a level of sophistication to the Boynton Beach community. We invested in a BMW, and the pedestrians walking the streetscape or enjoying the park and greenway can feel it.”