Playground Shade Cover Sails:
Playground Shade Cover Sails
Characteristics Of A Good Playground Shade Cover Sails:
Characteristics of Quality Playground Shade Sails
Shade sails are made from durable, waterproof, and fire-resistant fabrics designed to withstand long-term wear and tear. Available in various shapes (square, triangle, and rectangle), sizes, and colors, these sails can be creatively layered to enhance the playground's aesthetic appeal.
Why Playground Shade Sails Matter
A study by the University of Otago, Wellington, found that 95% of playground equipment and 65% of seating areas in 50 Wellington playgrounds lacked adequate shade cover. This puts children at a high risk of sunburn, especially during summer. In comparison, Australian playgrounds offer significantly more shade through trees and built structures.
Lead researcher Ryan Gage emphasizes the importance of protecting children from sun exposure while they play.
Lead Researcher Ryan Gage From The University Of Otago Wellington:
“At this time of year between 10am and 4pm, the sun is strong enough to cause skin damage,” says Mr Gage. “We found that Wellington playgrounds have insufficient shade available. Increased shade is urgently needed to protect children from harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, by planting trees with heavy foliage and building structures with large, protective roofing.”
The researchers used a Solarmeter to calculate the proportion of UVR blocked by each built structure and tree. “Our study shows that many children in playgrounds are in full exposure to the sun. This puts them at risk of sunburn and skin cancer if they are not wearing sunscreen and/ or protective clothing.” “Providing effective shade in summer recreation spaces may help to reduce children’s risk of skin cancer,” says Gage.
New Zealanders are at the highest risk of melanoma skin cancer in the world. Each year, nearly 70,000 skin cancers are diagnosed and 500 New Zealanders die from skin cancer. The researchers stress the importance for Kiwis to follow the SunSmart advice: “slip on a shirt with long sleeves, slop on some sunscreen (about 1 teaspoon to each arm and leg), slap on a wide-brim hat and wrap on close-fitting sunglasses,” when outdoors this summer, and to seek shade when it is available. “Approximately 90 % of skin cancers are linked with excessive sun exposure.
Forming lifelong sun protection habits is crucial for preventing skin cancer,” says Gage. The research was published in the journal Photochemistry and Photobiology.