SMART SHADE FOR SAFER PLAY

In a recent collaboration with Frankston City Council, Shade 'N' Sails delivered a smart, safe, and well-shaded upgrade to a local community playground. The project highlights how thoughtful design, safety compliance, and environmental care can come together to deliver a well-shaded, welcoming, and durable public play space.

Council-Led Design & Construct Approach

This project was delivered as a full design-and-construct, with Shade ‘N’ Sails working closely with council officers from planning through to final installation. The goal: create a functional and aesthetically integrated solution that supports long-term community use.

Given the number of underground services across the site, careful coordination was required. The team collaborated with council representatives to ensure new infrastructure could be safely installed without disrupting existing assets.

Prioritising Shade, Safety and Compliance

A key objective was maximising shade while maintaining safe, unobstructed play zones. All shade structures were custom-designed to meet Australian Standard AS 4685, ensuring compliant clearances from all play equipment.

Shadow mapping was provided during planning to help visualise sun coverage across different times of day and seasons. This allowed the council to confidently select optimal sail positions for effective protection.

Built to Endure

With large spans and elevated installations, cable-edge shade sails were chosen for their superior strength and tension retention. These heavy-duty designs are well-suited to windy, high-exposure locations.

Fabricated from Commercial 95 shade mesh with a UPF of 95+, the sails deliver high UV protection while allowing airflow and light filtration.

Site Protection During Works

The council’s focus on environmental care extended throughout construction. Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) were strictly maintained to preserve mature trees, and new turf was carefully protected to prevent damage. Following completion, all disturbed areas were responsibly reinstated, with landscaping restored to a neat and safe finish.

Community Benefit Delivered

Through smart design and close council collaboration, this project has transformed a local park into a safer, more accessible and sun-safe destination for children and families. It’s a shining example of how councils can improve public infrastructure with long-lasting, environmentally conscious solutions.

 Visit Shade 'N' Sails via the links below to learn more