Sun safety in the shade

Creating shade in school grounds and other community venues is one of the most effective ways to ensure everyone within the community can be sun safe. Well designed and effective shade not only provides sun protection, it will also help to cool the school grounds and reduce heat. Natural shade in the form of well planted trees and shrubs can provide shade and help to improve the natural environment at the same time.

There are a number of steps to consider when planning shade at your school or venue including: 

• When will the area be used? e.g. only in the early morning, late afternoon or all day (this will depend on the angle of the sun and where the shade actually needs to be positioned).
• Who will be using this space?
• How many people, on average will be using this space?
• What activities are likely to be held at this space? (e.g.: active, sporting activities, will require a higher roof to allow for balls or other sporting equipment to be used, whereas passive recreation areas such as lunch areas or outdoor study areas can allow for more intimate shade areas)
• What type of shade would work best for this space? Can the area combine constructed shade and natural shade plantings? Does the area need to provide rain protection also?

Find out more about planning shade for your space.