Local Government
Shade infrastructure
Providing shade in local council parks and gardens, recreation areas, locally run early childhood services etc is essential to preventing overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and preventing skin cancer.
Consider these elements when designing shade.
- The movement of the sun during the day, particularly between the high risk time of the day. This will impact on the size and shape of the shade structure. Generally, the east and west sides require wider overhangs to improve shade protection.
- The seasonal variation in the shade. The sun’s path changes throughout the year and varies in different latitudes, but it always follows the same yearly sequence. Try to ensure items under the shade structure remain shaded even in winter when the sun is low in the sky. Even in winter, the UVR in full sun can be more than enough to cause skin damage.
- The effect of diffuse UVR scattered from the atmosphere and clouds. Remember shade only reduces the level of direct UVR. In shade, the amount of diffuse UVR is proportional to the amount of visible open sky from the shade. Try to minimise the amount of open sky visible from the structure to keep the level of diffuse UVR low.
- Vertical sides. They help to reduce UVR and should be considered for shade structures wherever possible.
- Combine natural (eg trees) and built shade as it produces the most effective and sustainable sun protection. It minimises the effects of both the sun’s movement and of reflective surfaces.
- Where the shade from the structure falls. Shade will be at a maximum in the middle of where the shade falls, and when the sun is low in the sky, this may not be in the centre of the structure.
- Avoid shade structures with concave and scalloped edges. These reduce sun protection effectiveness. Aim for at least one metre of overhang past the equipment you are aiming to cover (eg. outdoor setting or play equipment). If you need more than one shade structure try to avoid gaps that will allow UVR to penetrate.
- Trees can provide protective shade, however, their effectiveness depends on the density of the canopy foliage.
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