The Atlantic recently published an article addressing how rising temperatures are discouraging outdoor activities. This observation led to the discussion of playground shade as a potential solution to keeping people active, even on the hottest days of the year.
Natural shade from large trees isn't always enough. Read on to learn how playground shade structures can elevate your outdoor space, offering both enhanced comfort and stylish design.
The Importance of Playground Shade
Think about the times you’ve shifted your beach towel to get under an umbrella or circled a parking lot searching for a shady spot under a tree. Much of our outdoor time is spent struggling to find a cool, shaded place to relax in. Emma Marris from The Atlantic had a similar experience searching for a covered area at her local park, stating the following:
“Trees are nice and all, but they’re not enough. On a 92-degree Saturday afternoon in Portland, Oregon, I went looking for shade in Cully Park … the city included plenty of trees in the design … but those trees are still slender saplings … so the park’s designers also included two large metal canopies … as I walked into the shade, I could feel my body go from a state of mild alarm to drowsy summer relaxation.”
Emma’s experience is not an isolated one. While trees are beautiful, they don't always offer the best protection from the heat.
On hot summer days, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can quickly turn from uncomfortable to potentially harmful. The CDC advises frequent rest in shaded areas to reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Playground shade provides a consistent and dependable solution for beating the heat, ensuring community members stay comfortable and prioritize their well-being.
Playground shade structures can also foster inclusivity. For individuals on certain medications that increase sensitivity to heat, providing a shaded area to cool off ensures they can stay active and engaged with their peers for longer periods of time.
Children with disabilities can tire quickly in extreme temperatures, limiting their time to enjoy outdoor play. Playground shade provides a cool, comfortable spot for them to rest, so they can recharge and get back to playing.
Older adults are also more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, which often keeps them from spending time outside. This can prevent children in their care from enjoying outdoor activities as well. Shade structures create a welcoming space where caregivers can comfortably supervise children for extended periods, making outdoor play accessible for everyone.
For more information on how shade structures promote inclusivity, request a copy of The 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design. This guidebook, authored by PlayCore, our parent company, provides detailed guidelines for effective shade installation that has everybody in mind.
GameTime Playground Shade
GameTime offers a diverse range of playground shade structures, each adding a distinct, modern touch to your park, playground, or outdoor fitness area; all while ensuring maximum comfort.
We offer two types of shade structures: freestanding and integrated shade. Integrated shade is typically installed using the uprights of your play system, creating a seamless look that enhances the visual appeal of the entire unit.
Freestanding shade is versatile and can be installed wherever you need coverage, whether that be over fitness equipment, picnic tables, or just a couple of benches. These structures range in size from single-post coverings to large, sprawling canopies that can cover an entire play area!
Our playground shade sails block up to 97% of the sun's harmful UV rays, keeping park-goers cool and protecting equipment from overheating and fading. Our sun shade can also keep covered areas up to 25ºF (14ºC) cooler, encouraging families to stay active and enjoy the outdoors together for longer.
We recognize that different regions face varying weather conditions, which is why we offer both standard and high-wind load options for our freestanding shade structures. We also manufacture all of our shade products with Anti-Ravel™ technology to prevent fraying and seam distress, resulting in a more durable, long-lasting sail.
Our playground shades also come with QuickRelease technology, making installation and removal of the fabric effortless. This built-in mechanism takes care of the hard work - simply use a cordless power drill to fasten the shade, and you’re done!
For more information on product offerings, explore our Shade Catalog.
Creating Comfortable Outdoor Spaces
Emma Marris’ article represents the need for consistent shaded areas where park-goers can find respite on hot summer days. As Marris notes, 'Trees are nice and all, but they’re not enough,' highlighting the serious need for more publicly available shade structures in local parks.
Ready to enhance your outdoor recreation space with more shaded areas? Contact your local GameTime representative today to explore the best options for your community.
