It is more comfortable for individuals to remain outside when there are shade structures. They offer a cool spot to unwind in and prevent playground equipment from being too hot to handle. Shade structures shield individuals from UV radiation in addition to decreasing the temperature. There are countless advantages to these arrangements, but you are well aware of them. If you’ve been looking into shade structures for your school/daycare, you are aware that you will want some investment to make them feasible.
Getting support from the community will help, even if you can afford the expenses on your own. They will realize that shade structures are well worth the financial outlay. To strengthen your case, you can select the best sails that will shield you from the sun for many years.
Your expenses may not be fully covered by community donations because shade structures might be costly. If so, you should gather data and submit grant applications. To secure money for your shade structure, continue reading to learn about your many grant choices based on the kind of company you are.
Setting a Budget for a Shade Structure
Shade structures can cost anything from $3,000 to over $20,000. They are available in different sizes and necessitate installation, accessories, and local government approvals. A building permit could be necessary for larger structures, and some shade structures needs two or four posts. High-density polyethylene fabric is used by the manufacturers, and high-quality materials are guaranteed for ten years. If taken care of properly, they should last 10 to 12 years. Investors can better comprehend the lowest annual expenses over time by breaking down the cost into yearly costs. Because they shield guests from UV radiation, keep visitors cool in the summer, and shield playground equipment from the sun, shade structures are a wise investment. Rather than combining less expensive options, determine how much money you can afford to spend on the shade structure that will best serve your facility.
Why Is a Shade Structure Necessary?
Use data and statistics to show the advantages of having a shade structure in your neighborhood. Examine how much sun kids get at childcare centers and schools and learn about the advantages of shade structures at playgrounds. Describe how shade structures prevent heat-producing UV radiation so kids can play outside longer. In addition, they allow for more air circulation by lowering temperatures by 20 degrees. Shade sails offer daily fresh air while shielding personnel and equipment from severe winds and precipitation. To show how much of a difference a shade structure will make, figure out how many people frequent visits the playground and what the average temperatures are. This will make it easier for potential investors to see how a shade structure can benefit your neighborhood.
Start locally by enticing the parents and grandparents of kids who visit your park or school to make a donation for something their kids will use in order to obtain funds for shade structures. Locate small companies that will immediately improve your neighborhood, and express your gratitude to them via plaques, websites, or newsletters.
Applying for grants from groups like the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), KABOOM!, Home Depot, CDC, Mattel Children’s Foundation, and US Play Coalition is a good idea if local funding are insufficient.
Fundraising and funding possibilities for playground-related initiatives are frequently offered by municipal and state government agencies. To save costs, it’s critical to stay involved in your community and solicit volunteers to assist with the installation and setup of the shade structures. Funding a shade structure shouldn’t be a barrier to obtaining something that will help your community.