Shade Policy for Playgrounds and Recreation Areas Adopted by Council 22 June 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Aim... 1 2. Objective... 1 3. Policy Statement... 1 4. General Issues... 2 4.1 Ultra Violet Radiation Exposure... 2 4.2 Suitable Protective Canopies... 2 4.3 Times of Usage... 2 4.4 Use of Protective Clothing... 3 4.5 Safety... 3 5. Planning... 3 6. Resources... 3 7. More Information... 3 8. References... 4
1. Aim To reduce the incidence of skin cancer within the Shire through the provision of shade in outdoor playgrounds and recreational areas Council is responsible for. 2. Objective To increase the provision of shade in Council s playgrounds and outdoor recreational areas. To ensure sufficient shade, either natural or built is available or planned for when developing new recreational facilities or centres. To ensure the provision of shade is an integral part of Council s planning processes. 3. Policy Statement The Macedon Ranges Shire Council recognises that Australia has the world s highest rate of skin cancer. This is related to the high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that are present throughout the year, and especially during the summer months. The Macedon Ranges Shire recognises that local government has an important role in minimising the exposure to UV radiation that is experienced by the residents, employees and visitors of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Council s Health and Wellbeing Plan (2004-2006) identified the need to develop a Shire Wide Shade Policy in Playgrounds and Recreation areas by June 2005. The Macedon Ranges shire Council is responsible for a large number of recreation facilities. These include many outdoor facilities such as swimming pools, sporting grounds, skate parks, tennis courts and bowling clubs. Council has a duty of care towards the users of these facilities. Effort must be taken to prevent sun damage caused during recreation participation. Sunlight injury is a reality but easily preventable. Parks and garden areas provide valuable open spaces for passive and active recreation and are also crucial in enhancing the ambience and culture of a local environment. The Macedon Ranges Shire s Open Space Strategy (1999) identified the need for Council to provide additional shade and shelter in Council s open spaces. jjanethh:\winword\agenda\council\2005\policy&issuescommittee\att1june2005shadepolicy.doc Page 1
4. General Issues Factors to consider when planning for and selecting appropriate means of sun protection and shade in playgrounds and recreational areas include: 4.1 Ultra Violet Radiation Exposure The amount of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and heat likely in each specific playground/ area. Heat and ultraviolet radiation are different components of sunlight, and the protection needed against each will vary according to the location and climate. UVR is at its highest around midday and is not directly related to the heat of the sun. UVR can be reflected from objects in the playground. The hottest part of the day is mid-afternoon 3-4pm because of the release of the stored heat from objects within the playground (which absorbed heat in the previous eight hours) plus the heat of the sunlight at that time. 4.2 Suitable Protective Canopies Protective structures, whether natural objects such as trees, or purpose built shade structures provide protection by putting a physical barrier between sunlight and the people in the playground. The degree of protection provided by the structure is determined by the effectiveness of the structure s material, its placement, and it s height above the ground. Council recognises that constructed shade can be costly and where possible shade provision should be provided through the planting of trees. Using vegetation to provide shade is an obvious choice for open spaces where large numbers of people congregate however may take some time to provide effective shade. In addition to shade, vegetation offers children sensory experiences and natural play materials. 4.3 Times of Usage As previously mentioned UVR is at its maximum around midday, and it is widely promoted by the cancer council to stay out of the sun between 11.00am until 3.00pm, to avoid exposure to the sun at its most damaging time. To avoid sun exposure the use of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council s playgrounds and outdoor recreation areas should be encouraged in the early morning and late afternoon. jjanethh:\winword\agenda\council\2005\policy&issuescommittee\att1june2005shadepolicy.doc Page 2
4.4 Use of Protective Clothing To assist in limiting exposure to the sun, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council recommends the use of hats, long sleeve shirts and sunscreen when utilising outdoor playgrounds and recreation areas. 4.5 Safety Safety should be a major consideration when planning shaded areas; Council should select tree and shrub species to suit local conditions and use temporary, built shade structures until the vegetation matures. Where practical Council should avoid species that drop branches or create a slippery surface underneath. It is also important to avoid vegetation that is poisonous or hazardous (e.g choking on seed pods). The specific species should provide adequate shade at the right time of the day. 5. Planning The following items should be taken into consideration when planning shade provision; Usage levels - does the facility attract members of the community during times when UV radiation levels are most intense? Infrastructure - is there adequate seating provided in shaded areas? Site Usage - is shade available at peak times in key places such as open areas, playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas, sporting grounds and pedestrian links? Maintenance - ensure any new plantings are included in Council s Parks Maintenance Schedule. Plant Species - choose plants that are suited to the overall climate of the Macedon Ranges and are aesthetically appealing. 6. Resources The implementation of the shire wide shade policy for playgrounds and recreational areas will require a commitment from Council to allocate funding resources where new works and playgrounds are proposed in parks. Council may also wish to take a pro-active stance and provide an annual ongoing works program to improve the availability of shade. 7. More Information For further more detailed information in the planing and provision of shade please refer to: AS/NZS 4486.1:1997 Playgrounds and playground Equipment jjanethh:\winword\agenda\council\2005\policy&issuescommittee\att1june2005shadepolicy.doc Page 3
Dept Human Service Guidelines The Cancer Council s Shade for Playgrounds Guide The Cancer Council s Shade for Parks and Reserves Guide 8. References City of Whittlesea Shade Policy Macedon Ranges Shire Open Space Strategy 1999 Macedon Ranges Shire Health and Wellbeing Plan 2004-2006 jjanethh:\winword\agenda\council\2005\policy&issuescommittee\att1june2005shadepolicy.doc Page 4