Reducing the impact of the sun on a playground

How can you bring coolness to the design of a playground?

Heat waves are becoming more and more frequent, their duration and intensity increasing as evidenced by this summer of repeated heat waves. The next few decades will face the challenge of rethinking the design of playgrounds so that they remain pleasant places for children and families in all seasons. Here are some ideas:

Bringing shade to the playground

Whether in public parks or schoolyards, the evolution of the climate leads to the design of playgrounds as part of an overall project where plants become a real asset for outdoor playgrounds.

Trees provide an effective solution to reduce the temperature generated by the play structures. Even if the final result may take a few years, it is a sustainable solution that is part of a development and management approach to green spaces in favor of biodiversity.

The choice of tree species is not to be neglected. Local species are obviously to be preferred, however it is preferable to avoid certain varieties that present risks such as intoxication, stings, falling fruits or pine cones...

On the other hand, the climate can vary significantly depending on the geography where the playgrounds are located. In regions or countries with strong winters, non-evergreen deciduous trees allow for the enjoyment of the sun's gentle rays during the winter period. On the other hand, regions that are used to hot weather require trees that are covered all year round.

The provision of shade allows for optimal use of play areas, but also promotes well-being. From a sensory point of view, greenery stimulates the senses: sight, hearing through the rustling of leaves, the touch of bark, the sense of smell for certain species. The green islands also capture pollution in urban areas through photosynthesis.

Another alternative exists to protect against excessive heat: shade sails! They cover playgrounds from direct sunlight while allowing air to circulate.

Choosing the location of the playground

During the project phase, the choice of location is sometimes a real headache. Whether in the city or in the country, the existing environment contains various anatomies that can be exploited to install a more temperate playground.

True settings for playgrounds, wooded areas or water features (ponds, pools, lakes ...) are conducive to cooling in the summer. Combine a walk under the protection of trees, use a watering hole to bathe or rest, natural spaces are multiple and offer beautiful spaces of freshness.

In urban areas, buildings can also be extremely conducive. Using the shade of a building or a wall is a solution to benefit from a shaded space while respecting the standards of implantation. Leaning against a playground allows you to be protected from the sun at the height of the day, depending on the exposure.

Opt for high thermal performance materials

In order to reduce the impact of heat on the play structure, solutions exist that limit the risk of burning. However, it is recommended to be vigilant in case of strong sunshine because of the heat released, especially by the metal parts.

The Starboard® is particularly well adapted to sun exposure.  The slides, made of grained polyethylene compound, are highly resistant to temperature variations with a limit of use of 75°.

The semi-open structures with a roof allow air to pass through while protecting from the sun. The play structures of the Ka'Hûte and City Prairie range are particularly pleasant in hot weather.

As far as floors are concerned, asphalt should be avoided because it is very sensitive in hot weather, its black color absorbs infrared rays and can soften at temperatures above 35°.

On the other hand, cork floors have excellent thermal characteristics. Cork aggregates reduce the surface temperature by up to 20% compared to other cushioning floors.

Wood chips and natural grass also have a lower heat load in high temperatures. For other shock-absorbing floors such as EPDM, it is best to choose light or pastel colors that repel the sun's rays.

Subject to the vagaries of the weather, sometimes extreme, a successful playground must combine many parameters. Do not hesitate to seek advice from experts who can guide you towards the most suitable solutions for your project.