An evaluation of the amount, type and use of shade at public playgrounds in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

The provision of shade at outdoor recreation sites such as playgrounds confers a variety of public health benefits. It can prevent overexposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, and, in turn, protect against skin cancer. Further, shade mitigates heat and may promote physical activity. In this study, we evaluate and describe the amount, type and use of shade at public playgrounds. Using a modified shade audit tool, shade audits were conducted to visually evaluate shade coverage at 85 city-operated playgrounds in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, in summer 2019. The main play area of most playgrounds (68%) had no shade available. Although the areas surrounding playgrounds had more shade coverage than the main play areas, we also found minimal shade coverage (>0% to 30%) in this area for many playgrounds (48%). All shade over main play areas was provided by trees (i.e. natural shade). Permanent, built shade structures were observed in the surrounding area of 13% of playgrounds. Shade coverage in the areas surrounding playgrounds was positively correlated with the number of individuals (rs=0.259; p=0.017), children (rs=0.270; p=0.012), and active individuals (rs=0.253; p=0.020) using the surrounding area. This suggests that individuals seek shade at playgrounds and may be more active in shaded areas. Children have limited protective shade available to them at playgrounds. Future research is needed to determine how to best increase shade provision and to further explore the impact it has on playground usage, activity levels, temperature and UVR exposure.