Kids love playing outdoors in nice weather - and the park is the perfect place to soak up the sun as a family. Unfortunately, many playgrounds lack adequate protection from the sun. Without shade, the equipment can overheat, visitors may feel uncomfortable and sun damage can occur. Consider that it only takes 5 to 10 minutes for damage to occur in fair-skinned people!
The good news is that there are many ways to add shade to your playground, allowing you to protect equipment and keep kids and families comfortable. It’s easiest to incorporate shade into a new design, but you can also add shade later on. Here are three practical ways to achieve this.
1. Shade Sails
One of the most popular ways to add shade to a playground is by installing shade sails. Sails are triangular or rectangular pieces of fabric that are stretched between posts to create a shaded area. You can even make attractive swoops or overlapping layers with the fabric.
Sails are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, so it’s easy to find the perfect fit for your playground. They are also durable and capable of handling harsh weather conditions since they are waterproof. Shade sails even provide excellent sun protection and UV protection, making your park a safer place to play!
2. Cantilevers or Umbrellas
Another practical way to add shade to your playground is by installing shade structures such as cantilevers or umbrellas. Because these are smaller and more compact, they are a popular choice for creating shade over specific areas or pieces of equipment, such as over a toddler playground or musical equipment.
When you place your order, you can choose between an in-ground or surface mount, as well as pick the colors of the fabric. Both cantilevers and umbrellas are popular choices for existing playgrounds because they can be placed virtually anywhere and are available in different shapes, including hexagon, square and octagon.
3. Hip Roof Shades
Hip shade structures are a popular option for large environments because they can be joined together. This makes them a great choice for creating shade over outdoor seating areas, pool surroundings and parking lots.
Hip end shades protect against harsh outdoor elements, while also providing a high percentage of UV protection. They are available in a variety of shapes and size configurations to fit your needs. The main difference between them and shade sails is that they offer a more traditional appearance, and are generally larger.
Find the Perfect Shade Structures for Your Playground
Aside from purchasing shade structures for your playground, you can also plant trees and shrubs to create more privacy and shade. The only issue with this is that it can take some time for the trees to grow in, so this is not an automatic solution. But over time, the combination of shade structures and natural greenery will provide a peaceful and shaded environment for your playground.
To discuss the different ways to add shade to a new or existing playground, contact the experts at Cunningham Recreation.
