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This project, generously funded by CIBC, focuses on the importance of shade for children's health and well-being. Learn about the benefits of shade, types of shade structures, and how to design for shade on school grounds to create a safer and more enjoyable outdoor environment. Shade is crucial in protecting children from skin cancer and regulating outdoor temperatures. Discover how to select trees, conduct site analysis, and develop tree care plans. Ensure a shaded and welcoming outdoor space for students to thrive in.
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Agenda • Why shade? • The benefits of shade • Types of shade • How to design for shade on the school ground
WhyShade? • One in seven children will develop skin cancer • Children don’t often seek shade • Children spend up to 25% of their time outdoors • Unshaded surface temperatures can be 20°C hotter than adjacent shaded areas.
“Adequate solar protection during childhood is more important than at any other time in life.” Donald Wigle, Child Health and the Environment
Cooler air temperatures in summer Energy conservation Buffering of cold winter winds
Trees also: • Create a connection to the living world • Provide habitat and shelter for birds and wildlife • Filter dust and air pollution • Absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen
Types of Shade • Natural • Built
Permanent Structures • Sun Shelters • Pergolas/ Arbours • Gazebos
Temporary Structures • Tents • Awnings • Umbrellas • Shade sails
Designing for Shade • Conduct a site analysis • Develop a conceptual masterplan • Develop a phase one site plan • Devise a tree care plan • Plant • Celebrate and measure success
Conduct a Site Analysis • Survey user needs • Survey your school ground • Chart your findings
Survey User Needs • Students • Teachers • Parents • Caretaker • Principal
Survey Your School Ground Step 1: Physical and Environmental Features • Map physical features (existing and planned) • Map environmental features • Check for irrigation and utility lines, overhead wires and sight lines
Survey Your School Ground Step 2: Map Play and Use Patterns • Active play areas • Asphalt game areas • Passive/quiet play areas • Circulation routes • Out-of-bounds areas
Survey Your School Ground Step 3: Map Existing Shade Patterns • Observe and map shade patterns at noon • Other times may include • Before and after school • During recess • During outside class periods
Develop a Conceptual Masterplan • Use or build on existing shade • Identify and label priority areas for shade • Indicate phases for your project • Make sure shade is where you want it when you want it!
Complete a Phase One Site Plan A site plan includes: • A planting plan • A species list • A materials list • The location of your project in relation to the school
Watering Weeding Trimming and Pruning Mulching Protection Leave your leaves! Create a Tree Care Plan
Mulch • 10-15 cm deep • 1 m radius • Top up every year
Protect Your Trees • Wire mesh caging • Plastic snow fencing • Woven tree basket • Circle of stones