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