Churchich Recreation Blog

Sun protection is an often overlooked element when designing a playground that ensures the safety and well-being of children. Shielding kids from the harmful UV rays with shade systems should be just as important a consideration as the type of structures or surfaces chosen.

Unfortunately, children’s playgrounds often lack adequate protection from sun exposure.

“As part of a national study of playgrounds, NPPS (National Program for Playground Safety) conducted an assessment of available sun protection on playgrounds. Only three percent of playgrounds visited had full shade protection from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., while 30 percent of playgrounds had partial shade. The remaining 67 percent of public playgrounds were exposed to full sun during these peak hours,” said the NPPS. “Playgrounds with limited or no shade and high levels of direct sun can be uncomfortable to children and supervisors and may discourage children from being physically active at a playground.”

Churchich Recreation & Design says any playground design or retrofit should include park structures or tensile shade systems to protect the public from the sun.

The Importance of Sun Safety, Especially for Kids

The lack of playground shade not only discourages children from using the space but can have harmful consequences as children are more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UV radiation due to their delicate skin and prolonged outdoor activities.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a form of non-ionizing radiation that is emitted by the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds. While it has some benefits for people, including the creation of Vitamin D, it also can cause health risks.

Consider these facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• Even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life.
  
  
• Skin damage builds up over time starting with your very first sunburn. The more you burn, the greater your risk of skin cancer. Subsequent UV damage can occur even when there is no obvious burn.
  
  
• Five or more sunburns more than double your risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma.
  
  
• For fair-skinned people, especially those with genetic predisposition, sunburn plays a clear role in developing melanoma.

“Children are in a dynamic state of growth and are more susceptible to environmental threats than adults as sun exposure during childhood and adolescence appears to set the stage for the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers in later life,” says the World Health Organization. “A significant part of a person’s lifetime exposure occurs before age 18.”

Too Much of a Good Thing: Harmful Effects of Sun Exposure

Sun is a good thing – it provides humans with vitamin D, which is needed for healthy bodies.

“Vitamin D is best known for its vital role in bone health. Without this "sunshine vitamin," the body can't absorb the calcium it ingests, so it steals calcium from bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Vitamin D also helps maintain normal blood levels of phosphorus, another bone-building mineral,” says Harvard Health.

Too much of a good thing, however, can have harmful effects as without adequate sun protection, children and adults can be exposed to the following health issues:

• Sunburn: Sunburns cause immediate pain, discomfort, and potential blistering. They can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
  
  
• Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, and even life-threatening heat stroke.
  
  
• Skin Cancer: Overexposure to UV radiation is a primary cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most dangerous form. Protecting children from excessive sun exposure significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
  
  
• Premature Aging: Long-term sun exposure contributes to premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, age spots, and a loss of skin elasticity.

The CDC advises that to protect yourself from UV radiation, stay in the shade, especially during midday hours where sun exposure can cause problems in a matter of minutes.

“The average time for skin to be damaged, assuming midday, from June to August depends on region, as well as skin type. Children with very sensitive skin may have skin reddening and damage from as little to 11 to 23 minutes of sun exposure in the U.S., if not wearing sunscreen and in direct sunlight (non-shaded),” says the NPPS.

The Advantages of Playground Shade Systems

Implementing shade systems in your playground brings numerous benefits, including:

• Safety: Shade structures offer a safe space for children to play, shielding them from harmful UV rays and reducing the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
  
  
• Protecting Equipment: UV radiation can cause damage and deterioration to playground equipment over time. Sun protection extends the lifespan of the equipment, reducing maintenance costs.
  
  
• Increased Usability: Providing shaded areas makes the playground more comfortable and enjoyable during hot weather, encouraging children to spend more time playing outside.
  
  
• Comfort for Caregivers: Shade systems provide a comfortable area for parents, guardians, and caregivers to supervise children, ensuring their safety without exposing themselves to excessive sunlight.
  
  
• Outdoor Learning: Shaded spaces within the playground create opportunities for outdoor learning and socialization, fostering cognitive and social development.
  
  
• Aesthetics and Design: Shade structures come in various styles, sizes, colors, and materials, allowing you to customize and enhance the overall look and feel of your playground.
  
  
• Community Appeal: A playground equipped with sun protection demonstrates a commitment to children's safety, making it more attractive to families and the community.
  
  
• Regulatory Compliance: Many jurisdictions and safety guidelines require sun protection measures in public spaces, including playgrounds. Installing shade systems ensures compliance and avoids potential penalties.

Implementing Shade Systems for Your Playground

When selecting shade systems for your playground there are many factors to consider.

“Pre-engineered outdoor shade structures come in a number of styles, sizes, colors, and materials,” says Churchich Recreation and Design.

Options for implanting a shade system on your playground include:

• Style: Choose a shade structure design that complements your playground's aesthetic and theme. Options include sails, canopies, umbrellas, pergolas, and more.
  
  
• Size: Assess the area to be shaded and select a system that provides adequate coverage without interfering with play areas or obstructing visibility.
  
  
• Colors: Opt for vibrant or UV-resistant colors that not only provide shade but also add visual appeal to the playground.
  
  
• Materials: Ensure the shade fabric or material is durable, resistant to weather conditions, and offers a high level of UV protection, screening up to 99 percent of the sun’s rays. Common options include high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric or metal structures with built-in shade elements.

Investing in sun protection for your playground is a wise decision that prioritizes the safety, health, and well-being of the children who will enjoy the space.

By shielding them from harmful UV radiation, you create a safer environment that encourages outdoor play, enhances the lifespan of equipment, and fosters a sense of community.

Contact Churchich today to see how an industry-leading Shade Systems fabric shade product such as the patented Turn-N-Slide can protect your playground from the sun.