The Importance of Shade When Building a Playground
Playgrounds are places of fun, exploration, and adventure, but with New Zealand’s high UV levels, sun safety is an important consideration when building outdoor play spaces. The importance of shade in playground design is undeniable, it protects children from harmful UV rays, extends playtime, and ensures a safer, more comfortable environment.
Why Shade Matters for Playgrounds
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with children particularly vulnerable to UV exposure. A well-designed shade structure provides UV protection, reducing direct sun exposure and minimising the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. It also creates cooler play areas and extending play time, keeping playground surfaces and equipment cool, making play more comfortable even in peak summer months.
That’s why incorporating shade into playground design is essential. Schools, councils, and developers must ensure shade solutions are included in planning from the outset.
How Lidgard Shades Partners with Playground Suppliers
At Lidgard Shades, we work closely with playground and park suppliers to integrate effective shade solutions into playground designs. By partnering with industry leaders like Park Supplies & Playgrounds, we ensure playgrounds across New Zealand are not only fun but also safe from the harsh sun.
One key aspect of successful playground shade design is customisation. Every playground is different, with unique layouts, equipment, and site-specific sun exposure patterns. Our team at Lidgard Shades collaborates with playground designers to create tailored shade solutions that maximise coverage while maintaining a visually appealing and functional space.
Lidgard Shades and Park Supplies & Playgrounds
Our partnership with Park Supplies & Playgrounds has led to the successful installation of shade structures in schools across New Zealand. Among the many schools we have collaborated on are Buckland Primary School and Bailey Road School, where we provided custom shade sails to cover the playgrounds installed by Park Supplies.
Buckland Primary School
This playground required a shade solution that offered full coverage during peak UV hours while blending seamlessly into the school’s aesthetic. We designed and installed a durable shade sail that provides excellent sun protection, ensuring children can play safely throughout the day.
Bailey Road School
Bailey Road School needed a full-coverage shade solution that completely shaded the playground and the surrounding concrete. Our shade sail installation complemented the playground structure, providing much-needed sun protection while adding to the overall play area.
Designing the Perfect Playground Shade Solution
Creating the perfect shade structure involves several key considerations.
- Positioning and Sun Angles – Understanding how the sun moves across the playground throughout the day is crucial. A well-placed shade sail can provide maximum coverage during peak UV hours.
- Material – At Lidgard Shades we use high-quality, UV-resistant fabrics designed for durability and maximum sun protection. Shade structures should also complement the overall playground design. We offer a range of colours and styles to ensure the shade sail enhances the space visually while providing essential protection.
- Structural Strength – New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable, so our shade structures are engineered to withstand wind and rain while maintaining their quality over time.
Partner with Lidgard Shades for Safe and Sun-Smart Playgrounds
At Lidgard Shades we are committed to creating sun-safe environments for children. By working with playground and park suppliers, we ensure that shade is an integral part of playground design, not just an afterthought. Whether you’re planning a new playground or looking to upgrade an existing one, we can provide the perfect shade solution tailored to your needs.
If you’re a playground supplier, school, or council looking to create safer play areas, contact Lidgard Shades today. Let’s work together to design shade solutions that keep children protected while they play.