When designing or upgrading a playground, safety surfacing and fun equipment often take center stage. But one critical element is often overlooked: sun protection.
The reality is that shade structures do more than shield from the sun. They create more comfortable, usable, and longer-lasting play environments — not just for kids, but for families, schools, and communities.
“The right fabric structure can block up to 96 percent of harmful UV rays and can make your playground up to 20 degrees cooler year-round, allowing for longer play,” says Miracle Recreation. “With high-quality shade structures, there is less direct sunlight on kids, allowing them to play longer and reducing the risk of sunburns.”
At May Recreation, we believe every outdoor space deserves the thoughtful integration of shade.
The sun may power life on Earth, but it can also pose serious health risks — especially for children. Their delicate skin and longer time spent outdoors put them at greater risk of UV-related damage.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:
The CDC notes that children with fair or sensitive skin may experience sun damage in as little as 15 minutes when playing outside during peak midday hours — even on a cloudy day.
“Skin cancer prevention requires a comprehensive approach to protecting yourself against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation,” says the Skin Cancer Foundation. “That’s because UV radiation from the sun isn’t just dangerous, it’s also sneaky. Not only can it cause premature aging and skin cancer, it reaches you even when you’re trying to avoid it – penetrating clouds and glass, and bouncing off of snow, water and sand.”
Shade structures help provide a passive, always-on defense against this risk — without the need to reapply sunscreen or limit time outdoors.
Beyond sunburn, exposure to direct sunlight in unshaded play areas can lead to:
Playgrounds are meant to encourage active, joyful play. But without adequate sun protection, they may do the opposite — discouraging use and putting children’s health at risk.
Here’s why more schools, parks, HOAs, and community centers are adding shade to new and existing playgrounds:
Shade structures provide consistent protection from the sun’s harmful rays, helping reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Unlike sunscreen, shade doesn’t wear off — and it protects everyone under it, not just those who remembered to apply.
Fabric-based shade structures allow airflow, helping to drop the temperature underneath by as much as 15 to 20 degrees. This cooler space encourages kids to play longer and allows caregivers to supervise in comfort.
UV rays don’t just affect people — they degrade materials too. Shade helps prevent fading, cracking, and heat-related stress on playground equipment, cutting down on maintenance costs and prolonging the life of your investment.
With proper shade, your playground becomes a viable destination even during hotter months and midday hours. Families are more likely to visit and stay longer, increasing the social and community value of the space.
Shade structures offer some protection from light rain, helping keep spaces usable even in unpredictable weather. Certain designs also block wind, dust, or snow depending on your region’s needs.
Parents, teachers, and volunteers often spend just as much time at the playground as the kids. Shade structures create resting and viewing areas that keep adults cooler and more comfortable during supervision.
Modern shade systems come in a variety of styles and colors that can enhance a playground’s visual impact. From colorful canopies to sleek sails, shade can be a signature feature — not just a functional one.
Shade structures aren’t one-size-fits-all. Options can be tailored to the layout, use case, and aesthetic of your playground or outdoor area.
Shade systems can be retrofitted onto existing playgrounds or planned into new builds from the start. They’re versatile, scalable, and can be customized to cover picnic tables, walkways, splash pads, and seating zones as well.
When planning a shade structure, consider these key factors:
Every outdoor space is unique — and our team can help assess what combination of styles and layouts best supports your goals.
While playgrounds are a natural fit for shade structures, they’re also ideal for:
Wherever people gather outdoors, a shade structure enhances usability, comfort, and protection.
At May Recreation, we understand that great playgrounds go beyond fun equipment. They’re safe, inviting, and built to last — and that includes smart shade solutions.
Whether you’re planning a new project or adding shade to an existing space, we’ll help you choose the best design, materials, and layout to meet your needs and budget.
Let’s create a play environment that’s cool and comfortable. Contact May Recreation todayto learn more about shade structures for playgrounds and public spaces.