Did you get a chance to read Sunday's edition of the paper? McKay Landscape Lighting's Outdoor Lighting Designer, A.J. Coleman, was featured in an article about creating unique, active play spaces in a backyard.
It mentions, "Summer nights are made for spending time outside, and nature therapy is good for the mind, body, and spirit. Staying constantly connected to social media, email and TV has been linked to stress, loss of sleep and depression, along with social isolation, feelings of low self-esteem and constant comparison."
Landscape lighting is one way to spend more summer nights enjoying the outdoors. A.J. shared his expertise with Marla R. Miller of CTW Features for the article recently published in the Omaha World-Herald:
Lighting is one element that is often overlooked when it comes to active play areas in the backyard. It's important for both security and safety. It's also easier to plan for during the design stage, including how and where to run wires, transformers and switches, even if the lights are added later, said A.J. Coleman, an outdoor lighting designer with McKay Landscape Lighting in Omaha.
McKay, a member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals, specializes in low-voltage lighting and provides professional outdoor and landscape lighting services for homes and businesses in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. Beyond pools and entertainment areas, more clients are requesting soft lighting for play areas in the yard, Coleman said.
Many homeowners spend a lot of money on adding a zip line or clubhouse and then realize their children can't use them after dark. They may be in a side yard or dimly lit area and the parents want to be able to see their children.
"Anytime you have a treehouse or steps, having it properly lit makes sense," Coleman said. "We try to make it really subtle so it blends in with the landscape."
has made it more energy-efficient and easier to install, and low-voltage lighting can create a rustic feel. For elevated areas, the goal is well-placed, softly cascading light rather than having a big floodlight attached to the house that can be blinding as you're coming down a slide or zip line.
"One benefit of low-voltage is it's kind of nice and soft and unique in a way, where you can light those spaces up and not make it look like a stadium," he says.
Another element of good outdoor design is to create spaces for entertaining that children and adults can enjoy together. Fire pits, hammocks, vegetable and flower gardens, even outdoor spas and yoga or meditation areas can be used by teenagers and empty nesters.
You can read the full article in the July 2, 2017, edition of the Omaha World-Herald or online, 
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Looking to Enhance Your Property?
Our dedicated team at McKay Landscape Lighting works with you to create a custom landscape lighting design that's unique to your property. From design to installation to service, you can count on our team of experts to make sure you are happy with your lighting system for years to come.
