Design Concepts, Trends & More
Shade Adds Comfort and Style to Outdoor Recreation Spaces
Not only do shade structures add a unique look to your park, playground or outdoor recreational space, they also keep it cool and comfortable for guests. Shaded areas add comfort for users allowing a better experience. Children and their caregivers can stay longer and enjoy the outdoors if they can get out of the sun and cool off for a bit. Incorporate shade into existing playgrounds and parks, as well as new ones.
Four Ways to Utilize Shade in Your Project Designs

  • Cover the entire play structure with shade sails or hip ends in square, rectangle or hexagon shapes. Shade sails are perfect for water parks as well.


  • Use umbrellas or cantilevers to shade sports seating areas, concession tables, courtyards, swings, musical, sensory and other independent play areas. This type of shade also works well at pools.

  • Bench canopies provide an economical option to add shade to parks, playgrounds or outdoor recreational spaces when your client wants shade but has a limited budget.
Whether your client is designing a new play and fitness space, athletic facility or adding shade to an existing playground, we can help you create a cooler space with shade. 

At CR Studio Design, we believe that function doesn’t have to outbalance design, so we’ve come up with a few creative tips for incorporating shade in public spaces. READ MORE
Blogs & News
Read our recent March blog titled Designing with Shade.

Interested in doing a lunch-n-learn or a professional development event, please contact me at 312-270-6227 or email bill@crstudiodesign.com.
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Bill Patterson www.crstudiodesign.com (312) 270-6227