More than 60 new solar lights are being installed in five east Warrnambool parks as part of a $210,000 project.

The lights will illuminate footpaths through parks near Wanstead Street, Fleetwood Court, Melanesia Court and Gateway Road.

Warrnambool City Council recreation and culture manager Russell Lineham said the lights would brighten up the parks.

“Presently, the pathways linking these areas are very dark at night,” Mr Lineham said.

“Once installed, these lights will provide better community linkages, encourage more physical activity and improve safety.”

The LED lights are equipped with motion sensors.

They will emit 20 lux when someone is nearby.

The lights will drop down to five lux at other times to save energy.

Each light incorporates a solar panel and a lithium-ion battery.

They lights can function for approximately 30 hours (two to three nights) without any sunlight, and only require a small amount of sunlight to recharge.

Lighting works at four of the parks are currently under way, while lighting at Wavelinks Park, on Armstrong Grove, will be installed as part of a larger planned upgrade.

It will also include an all-weather basketball court, shared pathways and a scooter and skate loop.

The plans for Wavelink park were drawn up with residents as part of the East Warrnambool Neighbourhood Plan.

The solar lighting project is funded by the state government’s Crime Prevention Program through the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Warrnambool City Council.