Choosing the Right Shade Structure for Your Park

A park is a great place for people of all ages to come together and enjoy the outdoors. Time spent out in the sun provides necessary health benefits like vitamin D production, but prolonged exposure to the sun can be dangerous. Lack of protection from the sun exposes you to ultraviolet rays, which can cause damage to your skin, eyes, and immune system. To ensure the safety and comfort of park visitors, it's important to have shade structures installed. In this blog, we'll discuss the different types of commercial shade structures, why they’re necessary for comfort and safety, and how to choose the best one for your park.

Types of Commercial Shade Structures

There are several types of commercial grade shade structures that can give your park goers a needed reprieve, including shades, shade sails, pavilions, commercial pergolas, commercial gazebos, and trellises. Let’s take a closer look at each:

Playground Shades

Playground shades are designed specifically for playgrounds, often integrated directly into the structure. They serve to protect kids from the sun while playing and prevent the sun from damaging equipment. These shades are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material and come in various shapes and sizes. Playground shades can be either free-standing or attached to structures, such as the playground equipment itself or nearby buildings. They can also be customized, with unique designs like sunflowers or butterflies.

Shade Sails

Shade sails are a popular choice for parks and playgrounds. Like other playground shades, shade sails are made of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric stretched between multiple anchor points. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors and can be customized to fit any space, perfect for a variety of different locations. They’re an affordable and versatile option that provides excellent sun protection.

Pavilions

Pavilions are a more substantial shade structure that provides complete coverage and protection from the sun, rain, and other elements. They are typically constructed with a metal or wooden frame and covered with a solid roof. Both park and playground pavilions come in a variety of styles and sizes; they range from small, basic structures to large, elaborate designs with multiple levels, decorative elements, and amenities such as restrooms, grills, and electricity. They are often constructed using durable materials such as wood, metal, or concrete to withstand the outdoors and heavy use, and they can be customized to suit the specific needs and preferences of any park or playground.

Commercial Gazebos and Pergolas

Commercial gazebos and pergolas are popular choices for parks and public spaces. A gazebo is a freestanding, open-sided structure with a roof and typically has a hexagonal or octagonal shape. It can be made of various materials such as wood, metal, or vinyl, and may be adorned with decorative elements such as lattice-work or intricate carvings. A pergola, in contrast, features a series of columns or posts supporting cross beams and an open roof. It can be attached to a building or freestanding. Pergolas are often made of wood and can be customized with various design elements such as latticework, planters, and lighting. Gazebos and pergolas are perfect for parks with designated seating areas or picnic areas.

Trellises

Trellises are a beautiful and functional shade structure that offers partial shade coverage. They are typically made of wood or steel and can be customized to fit any space. Trellises are a great option for parks and public spaces with a designated walking or sitting area. However, the amount of shade provided by a park trellis depends on several factors, such as the size of the structure and the angle and intensity of the sun.

Why You Need Playground Shades or Shade Structures

Now that we've covered the various types of commercial shade structures, let's take a closer look at why installing playground shades and shade structures is so important.

• Protection from the Sun: A UPF-rated shade structure protects from the sun's harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. It also helps to keep the play area cooler and more comfortable for children and their caregivers.
• Keeping Seating and Play Surfaces Cool: High-quality shade structures offer 25-degree temperature reduction, which keeps everything under the structure cooler. This makes it much easier and safer to spend warm days at the park.
• Increasing Use: A shade structure makes a playground or park more inviting and accessible to visitors during hot weather. Providing a comfortable shaded area for kids and adults alike to socialize or rest encourages people to stay longer and increases usage.
• Improving Safety: By reducing the surface temperature of the equipment, a shade structure can help prevent burns from hot surfaces. It also reduces the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion, which can occur during prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Protecting Equipment: Shade structures can help protect playground equipment from damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight, which can cause fading, cracking, and warping of the materials.
• Providing Aesthetic Appeal: A shade structure can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the park or playground, making it more visually appealing and attractive to visitors.

Read more: The Importance of Shade in Playgrounds: Keeping Kids Cool and Safe

How to Choose the Best Shade Structure for Your Park or Playground

When you’re ready to choose a shade structure for your park or playground, there are several factors we recommend considering. Primarily, the size of the area that needs shading, the type of activities that will take place, and the budget; there are several more factors to consider as well. Here’s a deeper look at what to think about before making a purchase:

• Location: Determine the location and size of the area where you want to install the shade structure.
• Purpose: Figure out the primary purpose of the shade structure. Is it to provide shade for a playground, picnic area, or walking path?
• Budget: Nail down your budget for the shade structure.
• Design and Style: Choose a shade structure that fits with the park or playground's overall design and style.
• Durability: Pick a shade structure that is durable and can withstand the elements — rain, dust, wind, snow, and heat!
• Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the shade structure. Some are low maintenance, such as sails, while others may require more, like wooden pergolas.
• Warranty: Check to see what the manufacturer’s warranty is. Some offer up to 10 years or more.

See shade options: Park Site Amenity Catalogs

Work With an Equipment Expert

Installing shade structures in your park or playground is essential for providing visitors with a comfortable and safe environment. With various shade structures available, there are options for every need, style, and budget. Be sure to consider your park or playground’s individual circumstances, the type of activities that will take place, and the amount you want to invest before making a decision. By choosing the right shade structure, you can ensure that your park is a place where visitors can enjoy the outdoors with safety and comfort.

At MRC, we have over 50 years of experience in the park and playground industry. If you’d like to discuss the perfect shade structure for your project, reach out today.