Shade sail trial to cool hot topic

Several parents and caregivers have again raised concerns over how hot metal slides become at council parks, in particular the under-5s playground at Hamilton lake. But Hamilton City Council has said it will trial a shade sail at the playground in coming months.

In February, the New Zealand Herald reported that parents were asking councils around the country to take action over playground equipment that gets so hot in summer it is burning children who touch it.

At the time, the council said the high cost of installing the shades and their vulnerability to vandalism were major barriers. There were no plans to change equipment because the council had been advised there was minimal temperature difference between metal and plastic play equipment.

Council parks and open spaces manager Sally Sheedy said installing the sails at the Hamilton Lake Domain playground was estimated to cost $10,000 to $15,000.

"We will trial them at Hamilton Lake Domain and Moonlight Dr Reserve in coming months. Vandalism remains a concern for us because the shade sails, when installed, will be in public places and, from our experience, deliberate damage can occur."

Ms Sheedy said there had been a tree providing shade at the playground but it was removed as it was unhealthy.

A playground consultant, who has examined the issue elsewhere in New Zealand, advised the council there was minimal temperature difference between metal and plastic play equipment.

Ms Sheedy said metal slides were more durable than plastic and less prone to damage. "We have had issues with plastic slides being set on fire. We try to provide shade wherever possible, but we do feel there is an element of parental responsibility as well."

Readers on Hamilton News' Facebook page suggested adding shade sails.

There were mixed reactions from parents and caregivers at the park last Thursday. Jamie Gage, from Thames, said her town didn't have this problem as the slides there were plastic. She said shade sails would help to protect children from the sun.

Rosemery Hemsworth was looking after her two great nieces and said shade sails would be helpful. "The slides are really hot, it's not even a really hot day today."

Clare (surname withheld) said common sense had "gone out the window".

"Parents should not put their kids on a hot slide. Parents should use their brains - you wouldn't touch a hot steering wheel."

Sue Weaver, who was at the lake with her granddaughter Gigi Williams, said it was a parent's responsibility to ensure their child wore appropriate clothes - long pants, for example, to ensure they can use the slides without getting burnt.