Mum urges shade sails installation

Talitha WolfeAlbany Advertiser

Shaded play is a priority for one mum who has started a petition for shade sails to be installed at local playgrounds.

Melissa Wolfe has distributed the petition urging the City of Albany to install shade measures to protect children and families from ultraviolet rays and heat.

“I want the shade specifically on the play equipment,” she said.

“It’s no good standing in the carpark (for shade).

“(A hat) covers up their head but it’s still hot, the play equipment is hot and the rest of the body (is) still in the sun.”

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Camera IconChelsea Wolfe, 2. Credit: Albany Advertiser, Laurie Benson Albany Advertiser

Rather than complaining Ms Wolfe said she wanted to create a petition to get community support before presenting her case to the City of Albany. At the time of print, Ms Wolfe had about 200 signatures, with 26 local businesses on board.

City of Albany works and services executive director Matthew Thomson said there were 43 playgrounds across the city, many of them well shaded by trees.

“The City of Albany reserves team works hard to ensure its parks and playgrounds provide for community and can be enjoyed by people of all abilities and ages,” he said.

“More trees have been planted at some playgrounds to provide additional shade.”

Mr Thomson said the City was working on a draft Developed Reserves Strategy which included an audit of shade at play-grounds and considered the feasibility of shade sails at some playgrounds.

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