The Role of Councils in Creating Community-Focused Shade Solutions

Councils have a responsibility to create safe, welcoming, and user-friendly outdoor spaces. Our expertly designed bespoke shade structures help with this. Shade solutions provide shelter for users of community spaces and reduce their exposure to UV rays. These structures also make the environment more comfortable and protect play equipment and seating.

Providing shade in council-run community areas is important for all users, especially vulnerable people who experience problems in hot weather. We’ll look at the communal outdoor spaces that benefit from shade and why shade structures are so vital in these places.

Council-run areas where shade is a necessity

There are numerous community spaces where councils can protect users by providing shade. We’ve listed some of the most common of these spaces below.

• Any barbeque area
• Playgrounds
• Recreational and sports grounds
• Outdoor swimming pools
• Public dining areas
• Public parks
• Car parks
• Public seating areas

Creating shade structures in these spaces protects the health of people, fixtures, and equipment. For example, people use community parks and sports courts for social interaction and exercise to improve their physical and mental well-being. Ensuring that shade is available further promotes the benefits of visiting these outdoor areas. In addition, shade structures protect seating, play equipment, parked cars, and sports court surfaces from weather damage.

Why is shade in council-run areas so important?

Each of the areas we identified, and other council-run community spaces, benefit from shade structures for several reasons.

Protection from the sun

Protecting people from the sun’s UV rays helps to prevent skin cancer. This is a vital benefit of providing shade when you consider that two out of three Australians will be diagnosed with a type of skin cancer before the age of 70, according to the Cancer Council NSW. The Council has spoken about the responsibility of councils to provide potentially life-saving shade. Aside from the health aspects of shade for users of outdoor spaces, it also makes using the facilities more comfortable.

Protection of outdoor equipment and seating

Shade structures protect more than just people. Benches, sports court surfaces, and play equipment can be damaged and destabilised by exposure to the elements. This means they can become dangerous and require repair. These repairs can be costly and take up valuable council financial resources that could be used elsewhere.

Providing shade protects equipment, surfaces, and seating. This protection applies not just to UV rays but also to wind and rain.

More time spent outdoors

Spending time exercising outdoors is good for mental and physical health. It’s also beneficial for people to relax and socialise in communal spaces. If people are protected from dangerous UV rays and have the comfort of shielding from rain and wind, they are likely to spend more time outdoors. This is a benefit for all members of the community.

Reduced expenditure on repairs and renovation

Council budgets in Australia are stretched, so making the best use of finances is essential. Protecting the surfaces and fixtures of outdoor community spaces with shade structures is more cost-effective than regularly having to make repairs and renovations due to damage from the elements.

Increased usable space

When the sun is out, people are more likely to want to socialise. This can lead to internal dining, play, and social spaces filling up quickly. Providing outdoor shade gives access to more space without compromising users' safety and comfort.

New revenue potential

New revenue sources are always good news for councils. Adding shade structures can create such sources. For example, a council could add shade to create paid parking or an outdoor wedding venue that can be hired.

We relish the opportunity to help councils reap these benefits by creating bespoke shade solutions for community spaces. To start the design process, contact us to discuss your community shade solution requirements.