GMA Sheds Light on the Importance of Playground Shade

A recent story on ABC’s Good Morning America (GMA) drove home the reasons why shade is so important when children visit playgrounds in the summer. In the video, a GMA reporter and a biometeorologist visited a San Diego playground where temperatures on a plastic slide and rubber surfacing exposed to the sun exceeded 160 degrees Fahrenheit. At those temperatures, it takes only three seconds to inflict second-degree burns and five seconds for third-degree burns. However, when covered by a protective shade that blocks direct sunlight, the temperatures of those same surfaces were measured at a safe 90 degrees in the shade.

Watch the full story here.

The GMA story is a powerful demonstration of both the need and protection offered by fabric shade structures from USA SHADE. Since 1991, USA SHADE has been the pioneer, innovator and proven industry leader in fabric shade structure design and technology. Simple, cost-effective and versatile solutions like our Hip and Super Span structures are excellent ways to provide maximum shade in large outdoor areas such as playgrounds or picnic tables. USA SHADE structures are designed to reduce temperatures by up to 25 degrees and block up to 96% of harmful UV rays, protecting children, their guardians and other outdoor enthusiasts from dangerous sun exposure.

For assistance with a shade project, contact an expert at USA SHADE or see the latest examples of our work here.