Should You Bundle Shade Structures with Your Playground Purchase?
At PlaygroundEquipment.com, we don’t just build playgrounds—we create safe, lasting spaces where communities thrive. From top-tier commercial play systems to safety-first surfacing, we’ve got every inch covered. But there’s one powerful feature many projects miss: shade structures. Overlook them, and you could be leaving safety, comfort, and long-term value on the table.
Are playground shade structures truly essential for a playground? Absolutely. Shade protects kids, preserves equipment, and keeps your space cooler and more inviting throughout the year. It’s not just a bonus—it’s a smart investment.
So let’s break down why bundling shade with your playground purchase isn’t just smart—it’s essential. And how getting it right from the start gives you an edge in safety, savings, and satisfaction.
Shade Structures Are More Than an Add-On—They’re a Necessity
When planning a playground, it’s easy to get caught up in equipment and colors. But sunshine isn’t always your friend. Here’s what playground shade structures bring to the table:
1. Protection from UV Rays
Excess sun exposure puts children at risk for sunburn and long-term skin damage. Shade structures block up to 96% of harmful UV rays, helping to keep playtime safe.
2. Cooler Play Areas
In hot climates, metal slides and plastic panels heat up fast. Without shade, surfaces can become dangerously hot. Shade keeps the temperature down, making the space usable even in peak summer.
3. Extended Play Time
Parents are more likely to bring children to shaded playgrounds because they’re more comfortable. That means longer playing time, more community engagement, and a better return on your investment.
4. Equipment Longevity
UV rays and heat degrade plastics, fade colors, and shorten the life of your equipment. Shade reduces wear and tear, keeping everything looking newer, longer.
Why Bundling Shade Structures Makes Financial Sense
Purchasing playground equipment is a big investment. So is buying shade. Bundling the two together can make the financial side of things much easier to manage.
Reduced Overall Cost
When you purchase playground shade structures at the same time as your playground, you reduce shipping costs and often get a better price per unit.
Simplified Installation
Bundled purchases mean one install crew, one timeline, and one permit process. That saves money on labor and avoids project delays.
Easier Grant and Budget Approval
Grants and funding sources often prefer comprehensive playground plans. When shade is included from the start, you’re more likely to get approval and meet safety standards.
Long-Term Value
Without shade, you may find yourself replacing equipment sooner or facing costly retrofits. Bundling upfront gives you long-term savings.
What Shade Options Work Best for Playgrounds?
Not all playground shade structures are created equal. At PlaygroundEquipment.com, we offer durable, customizable options built specifically for play environments.
Post-Mounted Canopies
These freestanding structures offer wide coverage and are ideal for large playgrounds. They can be customized for height and color to fit your space.
Integrated Shade Systems
Some play structures can be built with shade canopies as part of the design. These streamline the look and save installation costs.
Sail Shades
A great option for modern or artistic playgrounds, sail shades use tensioned fabric in geometric shapes to provide shade with style.
Portable or Seasonal Shade
In some cases, movable shade options work well for seasonal use or smaller budgets.
Custom Solutions
We can help design a unique configuration to suit your layout, climate, and aesthetic goals.
Want to see what that looks like in action? Watch this quick video to explore how our custom solutions come together—from concept to installation.
How Shade Structures Improve Safety and Compliance
Safety is at the core of every playground design. Playground shade structures contribute to a safer environment in more ways than one.
ADA Compliance
Many shaded play areas are more accessible and inclusive for children with heat sensitivities or medical conditions. That helps meet ADA guidelines.
Temperature Control for Safety Surfacing
Materials like poured-in-place rubber or synthetic turf can retain heat. Shade reduces surface temperatures and lowers the risk of burns.
Better Supervision
Cooler, shaded areas make it easier for parents and caregivers to stay nearby longer, improving supervision and safety.
Storm-Ready Designs
Our shade structures are built to handle wind, rain, and snow loads as required by local codes, ensuring long-term safety.
When to Bundle Shade Structures
- New playground builds: Always include shade in your planning.
- Playground upgrades: Add shade to revitalize your old space.
- Budget approvals: Include shade in your proposal to maximize funding chances.
- High-sun environments: Essential in the southern U.S. or areas with high UV exposure.
Build Smarter with PlaygroundEquipment.com
At PlaygroundEquipment.com, we don’t just sell playgrounds—we build better places to play. Bundling playground shade structures with your playground purchase is a smart move, and we’re here to make it easy. Our team will guide you through every step—from planning to installation—to ensure your playground is safe, inviting, and built to last.
Ready to create a shaded, safe, and stunning play space? Contact us today and get a free quote tailored to your project.
Discover More Must-Read Articles
- How Do You Shade a Playground?
https://www.playgroundequipment.com/how-do-you-shade-a-playground/ - Would Fabric Be a Good Option to Shade the Playing Area?
https://www.playgroundequipment.com/would-fabric-be-a-good-option-to-shade-the-playing-area/ - Top Five Reasons to Use a Shade
https://www.playgroundequipment.com/top-five-reasons-to-use-a-shade/ - Site Assessment Tips: Ensuring Your Space Is Ready for Installation
http://playgroundequipment.com/site-assessment-tips-ensuring-your-space-is-ready-for-installation/ - Revolutionizing Preschool Play Areas with Innovative Playground Equipment
https://www.playgroundequipment.com/revolutionizing-preschool-play-areas-with-innovative-playground-equipment/
Further Reading & Resources
- Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use
https://store.astm.org/f1487-21.html - Guide to the ADA Accessibility Standards
https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-10-play-areas/ - Guidelines, Standards, and Best Practices
https://playgroundsafety.uni.edu/safetm-resources/guidelines-standards-and-best-practices - U.S. Access Board. (n.d.). ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Play Areas
https://www.access-board.gov/ada/guides/chapter-10-play-areas/ - United States Department of Justice. (2010). 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAstandards.htm - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2010). Public playground safety handbook
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/325.pdf
Learn About the Author
A CPSI-certified playground inspector, Nic has been with PlaygroundEquipment.com for over three years. Nic has a keen interest in playground design, construction, and installation, and he uses this passion to drive his work to new heights. In his free time, Nic enjoys hanging out with friends and living life to its fullest.
Nic on linkedin