Playground Services
Playground Shading Solutions
Shading solutions for playgrounds
Shading is a crucial consideration for ensuring playgrounds are safe and enjoyable for all children, of all abilities. In Australia, our UV exposure is higher than other countries, and we suffer from the highest rates of skin cancer per year globally. Proper shading protects children, enhances the overall experience for both children and caregivers and allows families to play for longer. Playgrounds are a significant investment for schools, councils and developers, and users will often avoid playgrounds/outdoor gyms that do not offer adequate shading, so don't risk low visitation by omitting this extra feature. When considering a shading solution for your commercial playground, it's essential to keep these factors in mind:
Insufficient coverage can lead to discomfort during sunny hours and sunburn during the harsh Australain summer months.
Inappropriate materials may lead to deterioration and safety risks.
The shading design should complement the playground's aesthetics.
Improper installation could result in structural instability.
Maintenance and repair requirements may cause operational disruptions.
Understanding these common challenges will help you choose the right type of shading structure for your playground.
Multiple functions
Integrate shade structures with other playground amenities, such as seating, picnic tables, or climbing structures to maximise their functionality and usability. Design shaded areas to facilitate various activities and age groups and serve as inviting gathering spaces for active play and relaxation.
The following information will cover:
Playground shade design
Durability
Maintenance and installation
Safety compliance
Costs
1. Shade design for playgrounds
A key purpose of shading in playgrounds is to shield children from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which, in Australia are some of the highest in the world. While sunny days bring joy, prolonged exposure to the sun can be risky for children's delicate skin. In Australia, sunburn can occur in as little as 11 minutes in summer due to the strong UV radiation. By integrating shaded areas into playground designs, we provide safe spaces where children can play without the worry of sunburn or heatstroke.
Some of our commercial playground structures come with built-in shading. However, you can also include separate shade structures in your playground design, such as our Robinia sunshade structures. These structures seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics, meticulously designed to complement the playground's atmosphere while enhancing its appeal without sacrificing practicality.
Shading a playground involves a mix of shade structures, natural elements, and thoughtful design considerations.
Playground shading design options
Shade Structures
Set up shade structures like shade sails, playground canopies, pergolas, or pavilions over essential playground zones, such as play equipment, seating spots, and walkways.
Opt for shade structures crafted from sturdy, UV-resistant materials to offer sufficient coverage and safeguard against direct sunlight. Place these structures strategically to ensure maximum coverage during the sunniest hours while still allowing proper airflow and ventilation.
Natural shade
Integrate existing trees or other landscaping elements into the playground design to offer natural shade and enhance the visual charm of the area. Whenever feasible, preserve mature trees, and strategically plant new ones to establish shaded spots that blend seamlessly with the playground's layout.
Design considerations
Arrange play equipment and seating areas to make the most of natural shade patterns, limiting direct sunlight exposure. Opt for light-colored or reflective materials for playground surfaces to lower heat absorption and mitigate the chance of surfaces becoming uncomfortably hot.
2. Durability
When selecting a KOMPAN shading product, durability is assured. While nothing lasts forever, our Robinia Sunshade structures feature a 100% High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sail, with an approximately 320 g/m² density for exceptional outdoor durability. The high-density polyethylene material is robust, but it's advisable to take down the sail during heavy winds and cyclone events. Light rain easily runs off, and during heavier rainfall, water passes through the sail material to prevent damage.
Integrated shading within playground structures includes sails made of commercial 95 high-density PE, specifically knitted for sunshade structures. These sails are treated with UV stabilisers for a prolonged lifetime, supported by a hot dip galvanised steel frame, and tightened using stainless steel devices.
Ultimately, when considering standalone versus built-in shading structures, each option presents its advantages depending on your playground's unique requirements and layout. Our sales experts are ready to guide you in selecting the best solution for your playground project.
3. Installation and maintenance services
Proper shade maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety and smooth operation of your playground. Scheduled maintenance is essential for both your chosen shading solution and the playground equipment itself. Clear instructions are provided with the product to assist with installation and maintenance of the sunshade.
At KOMPAN, we provide various maintenance services to streamline your operational upkeep, guaranteeing that your shade structures remain in top condition and fully functional throughout their lifespan. Reach out to your local sales representative to discover more about our maintenance programs.
4. Regulations for playground shade safety
Safety regulations vary from country to country and region to region. Nevertheless, all KOMPAN products are engineered for commercial use and must meet rigorous safety standards. It's important to note that commercial playground sun shading differs significantly from residential sunshades. For detailed information regarding safety regulations applicable in your area, please contact your local sales expert. They will be your best informational resource!
5. Playground shade costs
Typically, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact cost of a shading solution. Several factors can influence the price, such as the size of your playground, whether you're looking for a standalone shade or need coverage for a large area, installation expenses, the type of product you choose, and your overall budget. If you're interested in understanding more about playground budgeting and how to manage your resources effectively, we suggest checking out our Playground Planning blog post on playground budget breakdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you shade a playground?
The method of shading a commercial playground varies based on your location, playground layout, and the size of the playground area. Consultation with your local KOMPAN sales representative will be useful as shading a playground requires a combination of shade structures, natural elements, and thoughtful design considerations.
What is the best shade structure for windy areas?
In cyclonic areas, selecting shade structures capable of enduring strong winds while maintaining safety and structural stability is crucial. Tensioned fabric shade sails or perforated metal shade structures are commonly suitable for windy conditions. It's important to securely anchor shade structures to the ground using suitable mounting hardware and adhere to our wind load ratings and installation guidelines for optimal performance.
How do you balance shade and sunlight on a playground?
Thoughtfully plan the orientation and placement of shade structures to ensure maximum coverage during the sunniest parts of the day. Position shade sails, sail canopies, or built-in structures strategically in areas where they offer the most shade throughout the day, such as above play equipment, seating areas, or busy zones.
Do shade sails help keep the playground clean?
While shade sails primarily offer shade, they can indirectly contribute to maintaining cleanliness in a playground. However, the primary responsibility for keeping the playground clean lies within your daily maintenance routine.
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