September 2022 - Parks & Recreation - 54

OPERATIONS
Why Shade Is Vital to Our Health
By Alan Bayman
A
ccording to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans
will develop skin cancer by the time they reach their 70s.
What's more, this organization and the American Cancer Society
report that depletion of the earth's ozone layer is increasing
our exposure to the sun's dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays, which causes
millions of people to develop skin cancer annually.
To minimize the risks of UV exposure,
the top recommendation from
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention is to stay in the shade.
Often, the time that people spend
outside and in the sun is within
public parks and while taking
part in recreation activities. Playgrounds,
splash pads, pools, skate
parks, basketball courts, bleachers,
dugouts and concession areas are
some sites that are most vulnerable
to sun exposure. Given that these
spaces are where people are likely
to be exposed to harmful UV rays,
park administrators can take a proactive
approach to this problem
by providing more sun protection
for the public. Once considered
an " optional " park amenity, shade
protection - such as shade covering
- is quickly becoming required
equipment for maintaining children's
health and well-being.
What Type of Shade
Do I Need?
The industry has answered the call
for
* A 10-year deterioration warranty
on fabric canopies (including the
stitching thread) and cables
* Stainless steel cables and hardware
for maximum corrosion
resistance
* Easy and reusable removability
mechanism built in with its own
10-year warranty
long-lasting, durable and attractive
shade products. The best
products on the market come in a
range of colors, use quality materials,
and offer extensive warranties
and features, including the means
to easily remove the canopy and replace
it later in the event of severe
storm or for the winter season.
Ask if the shade product you are
contemplating offers all of the following:
*
A 20-year rust through corrosion
warranty on metal components
Choosing Attractive Shade
to Improve Your Site
There are a variety of shade designs
available on the market today that
will not just protect people, but also
improve the aesthetics of any site.
Choose a shade design that not only
will protect park visitors, but also
will create an attractive focal point.
When arranged together, multiple
shade coverings can become a shaded
destination that people seek out
for outdoor gatherings under the sun.
What's more,
shade
covering
that offers multilevel sails are great
for shading larger areas, such as exercise
courts or playgrounds. Their
layers of colorful fabric canopies
can make your public venue a landmark
destination that attracts families
for fun under the sun.
There are a variety of
shade designs available
on the market
today that will not
just protect people,
but also improve the
aesthetics of any site.
54 Parks & Recreation | SEP T EMBER 2 0 22 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
The Bottom Line
With people's health at risk, providing
shade at public places is no
longer just an option, but a necessity.
If you choose wisely, shade
can be a long-lasting investment
for the public good that's aesthetically
pleasing, maintenance-free,
and easy to remove and reattach by
your staff.
Alan Bayman is President of Shade
Systems, Inc. (alan@shadesystemsinc.
com).
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHADE SYSTEMS, INC.
September 2022 - Parks & Recreation

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