There is no better time to go to the park than on a warm, sunny day. While the sun is known for its health benefits, such as helping the body produce vitamin D, there are also serious reasons to incorporate shade on your playground where families can escape the rays. During the peak hours of sun, it can be intense enough to cause health problems such as sunburns and overheating. We don't want sun overexposure to ruin the perfect day! Fortunately, there are tons of options of shade structures to choose for your playground design that enhance the overall usage of the area.
Once kids hit the playground, they rarely want to stop playing just to avoid the sun. Make things easy for parents by adding shades to popular areas of the playground where children tend to spend the most time. A shade that covers the toddler area allows the littlest visitors to your playground a place where they can explore features, such as color wheels and spinners, without being in direct sunlight for too much time.
Commercial gazebos are traditionally round with a full roof overhead. They provide complete shade for families who need a respite from the heat. Pergolas are typically rectangular, and can have a full roof or one made out of slats that allow some sunlight to filter in. Both of these options are perfect places for a family to enjoy a picnic or to host a party.
Placing these structures close to the playground are a great way for parents to escape the sun with younger children, while still being able to watch the older kids play. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight, making these shade structures essential for new parents. Adding a few benches or picnic tables in these areas make them the ideal place for families to dote on the little ones while the rest of the kids hit the play area.
Designing a sports complex requires you to pay careful attention to how the sun hits the field. While athletes plan to spend some time in the sun, they also need a place to cool off. You can use our shaded baseball dugouts to give players a place to rest and enjoy the shade before they head back out on the field.
One of the most versatile shade structures that you can add to your playground design is a covered amphitheater. By adding an amphitheater, your community can host educational events, concerts and theater performances, even family events like weddings and anniversaries. These shaded structures allow locals to enjoy events without worrying about the heat of the sun or a passing shower. Public events are always more fun outdoors, and a roof overhead allows them to take place in any weather.
Shaded structures can be designed to blend into the overall design of your landscape, or they can be made to stand out. Make sure to add several shade features so that you increase the use and enjoyment of your outdoor facility.