27 Shade Planning for America’s Schools Chapter 4 adequate protection from solar radiation. Their presentation included an architectural drawing of their vision for a shaded playground at Seagate. Informational packets were distributed to school board members, making a clear and convincing medical case for providing sun protection on a daily basis. The presenters told the school board that they were prepared to raise funds themselves, if necessary, to have the shade structures built. Approval and Building Costs The school board not only approved the request for Seagate, but also approved the construction of shade structures on the playgrounds of all Collier County elementary schools at a cost of $2.1 million dollars. In June 2002, Seagate Elementary School became the first county school to be fitted with a shade structure over the playground. By August 2002, before the school year began, 21 more schools in Collier County were fitted with shade structures. Funding for the project was drawn from the school district’s capital budget. Once the school board decided to build the structures, the project was outsourced to a contractor, with specifications that 95% of the playground of each school should be covered by the shade structure. At Seagate Elementary School, the structure covers 8,100 square feet of the playground. The shade structure comprises multiple canopies. Each canopy is made of a polyethylene mesh fabric that is supported by steel cables and held up by galvanized steel poles, which are secured to concrete pilings. The canopy over Seagate’s playground covers a swing set, three slides, and other playground equipment. The polyethylene mesh fabric blocks 90% to 95% of the sun’s UV rays. In addition, it allows heat to escape, promoting air circulation. As a result, the temperature beneath the canopies is about 15° lower than that of the ambient air in the middle of the day. Seagate Elementary School Students, teachers, and staff at Seagate Elementary are now protected from ultraviolet radiation during recess. Maintenance After the shade structures were built, several potential modifications were identified as necessary to increase the longevity of the structures. For example, additional poles were subsequently added to guard against severe windstorms, and the sails were redesigned and restrung. In 2005 the county incurred additional expenses due to hurricane damage. Consequently, when hurricanes are forecasted, maintenance staff take down the structures. However, contractors must be hired to reassemble them. The county school board will continue their cost benefit analysis and may consider other options in the future.
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