Plenty of sun and blue skies are the norm in Alice Springs, but the people of this arid zone region, like in any other, need protection from harmful rays of the sun. Council has developed a shade and sun protection policy that has identified protection for playgrounds and leisure areas as a priority.
Working with the Northern Territory Government, a unique and aesthetically pleasing design has been developed for shade shelters in playgrounds. The design is based on the Northern Territory emblem, the Desert Rose. Local firm, Dallas Spears Sheet Metal Works, constructs the shelters for Council.
Three shade shelters have been installed to date while another three are being built.
Comprising a central pole and a series of conjoined canopies, the shelters are built to last. They are high enough off the ground to prevent vandalism, and the one central structure has increased safety elements.
The shade canopies can be constructed from a variety of materials. With shade a high priority, Alice Springs Town Council has opted for a long lasting, high shade factor material. Its shade policy is to achieve at least 94 per cent protection from the sun.
At a cost of $30,000 each, the shades are designed for year round protection from the harsh rays of the sun. The canopies are angled so that optimum shading is achieved in all seasons.
