Shade comparison check

Describe how this site is used between 10am and 3pm. Note activity type and numbers of people (e.g. most children in the park use the playground in the late morning, most people access the park at lunchtime).

Site usage between 10am and 3pm

Estimate the percentage shade cover currently at the site i.e. the percentage of ground area that has a shadow cast over it from either built and / or natural shade.

Record the type of shade (built and/or natural) available on site e.g. pergola, shade sail, retractable shade, umbrella, shade from a neighbouring building, trees.

Record the condition of the built shade, including the physical attributes such as old, warped, gaping, mouldy, torn, new, etc.

If available, note the UV protection of the shade material e.g. Canvas and silver backed materials can provide 98% UVE (Most effective) and polycarbonates can have a PF 50+ (Protection Factor) blocking 98% UV.

Select the condition of the shade. 

Look at the shade which falls on the ground and match the density to one of the photos below. Only shade covering with a high shade density provides effective UV protection.

Please select:

Record as much detail as you can about the natural shade. This might include the species (if known) or simply the amount, location and a visual description e.g. row of 4 large Plane trees along rear fence line.

Note whether the vegetation is expected to grow larger. This is important for future shade planning because an immature tree may provide effective shade once it is fully-grown and temporary shade could be used until then. Alternatively, mature or dying trees may need to be replaced in the near future.

Different types of trees provide different levels of shade and UV reduction. A heavy dense canopy and minimal sky view can provide up to 90% UV protection, a medium canopy can provide up to 60% UV protection while a light canopy provides poor UV protection.

Look at the shade which falls on the ground and match the density to one of the photos below. Only trees with high shade density provide effective UV protection.

Please select:

UV radiation can be scattered by particles in the air and other environmental factors. As a rule of thumb, the less sky that is visible the greater the protection from scattered UV. Sky view is dependent on the height, size and shape of the shading structure.

Does your shade structure provide:

1

2

3

4

5

Record any potential barriers that may prevent people from accessing the shade (e.g. uneven ground surface, unappealing space, cool or dark, positioned too far away from activity hubs, no footpath access).

Record any potential safety hazards (e.g. shade sail too close to neighbouring building or play equipment, climbing or tripping hazard).

Record details here:

After considering options for improving existing shade or changing the way the site is used, is there still a need for new shade?

Recommendations:

Grand total: