Park, Playground, & Outdoor Space Blog | MRC Recreation

Gearing Up for Spring/Summer: Combining Style and Functionality in Playground Shelters

Written by Liz Sankey | February 23, 2024

As the seasons change, the great outdoors call children and adults alike to soak in the warmth and beauty of spring and summer. This is the perfect time to evaluate and enhance the comfort and appeal of playground shelters for community parks, playgrounds, and other recreational spaces. 

Let's look at how to blend style with functionality via shade for playgrounds and other modern shelters to create inviting and protective environments. 

Innovative Shade Solutions

Sun shades and fabric structures offer a contemporary solution to the age-old problem of harsh sunlight and UV exposure. With designs ranging from elegant sail shades to robust cantilever structures, these shelters provide much-needed relief from the sun and add a touch of modernity to any setting. Whether it's a community park, a school playground, or a public outdoor area, incorporating stylish sunshades ensures park and playground goers enjoy being outside without worrying about overexposure to the elements. Take a closer look at some popular options: 

Sail Shades

Sail shades are a stylish and practical solution for playgrounds and other outdoor areas. Their nautical-inspired design not only offers substantial protection from the sun but also adds a dynamic aesthetic element to the environment. With various colors and shapes available, sail shades can be customized to create an engaging and vibrant outdoor space.

Cantilever Structures

Cantilever shades stand out for their durability and significant area of coverage without the need for multiple support posts, making them ideal for playgrounds where space and safety are paramount. These prefabricated shelters can extend over seating areas, playground equipment, or even pools, providing uninterrupted shade and protection from UV rays.

Traditional Gazebos

A timeless addition to any park or community space, traditional gazebos offer a shaded retreat where children and adults can gather, rest, or simply have a nice conversation! These structures can be customized with various roofing materials and designs to match the aesthetic of the surrounding area, making them a versatile option for enhancing community engagement.

Contemporary Pavilions

For a modern twist on the classic shelter, contemporary pavilions provide ample space for community events, picnics, and outdoor classes. With their sleek lines and durable materials, these pavilions are designed to be low-maintenance and resistant to the elements, ensuring they remain a focal point of community gatherings. 

Read More: 5 Reasons Why Your Community Park Needs Shaded Shelter 

Function Meets Form

At MRC Recreation, our commitment to blending functionality with style is evident in our extensive range of prefabricated shelters. With a diverse collection that includes everything from the above to metal pergolas and covered amphitheaters, each structure is crafted from premium materials like high-quality wood and steel to ensure durability, low maintenance, and visual harmony with its surroundings. 

Our team leverages over 40 years of experience and over 37,000 projects across America to bring the vision of a warm, sunny, yet shaded spring and summer to life. From initial sketches to 3D modeling in SketchUp and CAD designs, we provide a detailed visualization of your project so you can see how we can customize it to fit your specific needs and style preferences. Our designs are not only about providing shade or shelter from the elements — they are about creating spaces where people can gather, relax, and enjoy the beauty of their environment, enhancing the social and functional fabric of your communities.

Sustainability and Durability

An essential aspect of modern playground shelters is their sustainability and durability. As noted, our products are made from high-quality materials engineered to withstand the test of time and weather. By investing in durable, eco-friendly shelters, communities can ensure their recreational spaces remain safe, comfortable, and attractive for years.

Maximizing Community Enjoyment

Beyond providing shade and protection, well-designed playground shelters play a pivotal role in enhancing community engagement and enjoyment. They offer a welcoming space for families to gather and children, adults, and caregivers to rest between play sessions and community events. Municipalities and organizations can foster a sense of belonging and encourage active, healthy lifestyles by thoughtfully integrating shelters into outdoor spaces.

Get Ready for Warmer Months 

As we gear up for the warmer months, the importance of creating functional, stylish, and comfortable outdoor spaces cannot be overstated. Playground shelters, with their blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal, are vital to achieving this goal. 


Ready to embrace the spring and summer seasons by enriching your outdoor spaces with shelters that promise protection, comfort, and beauty? Then, reach out to our team to discuss your shade and shelter options.