Shade Structures Bring Comfort & Creativity

Our creative director, Scott Roschi, wrote this article for Parks & Recreation Magazine exploring how shade structures are not just for safety and comfort, but also for expressing the uniqueness and individuality of any outdoor recreation space.

"Shaded spaces on a playground are no longer a luxury, they’re a must-have. Hotter summers, desires to maximize playtime and a growing emphasis on making play spaces welcoming to all have made shade an essential part of playgrounds.

Modern design tools make it easier than ever to be intentional about how and where shade is used. Playground manufacturers can conduct sun studies to identify how the sun will move across the sky above a playground. This allows them to strategically incorporate shade structures and provide shade where it’s needed. Shade structures are highly customizable and often uniquely designed for each playground. This allows communities to achieve the shade coverage they want, whether it’s over a specific portion of a playground or over individual play elements, like swings, that have longer playtimes. Customizable shade structures also can create a unique look for a playground — getting children excited to play before they leave the parking lot — and support a wide range of design ideas and play themes."