09/10/2017
Through the insight and diligence of the Eagle Creek Elementary PTA Members, funds were raised to install a Shade Systems Mega Span shade structure to protect kids from potential 2nd and 3rd degree burns of scorching temperatures of playground equipment.
Playground equipment exposed to direct sun can reach 160 degrees and children’s skin can burn at a temperature of 140 degrees in a matter of seconds, according to a news report by WFTV. During a metered temperature reading while under shade canopies, temperature was a comfortable 82 degrees, which was in alarming contrast to a reading of playground equipment exposed to the sun at a scorching 143 degrees.
Erin Paredes, former Eagle Creek Elementary PTA Board Member was instrumental in getting the sunshade for ECE, “In 2013, I was diagnosed with Melanoma. My two small children, ages 2 and 3 suffered enormously through countless surgeries and stitches. At that point I knew my purpose, to protect and spread awareness.” Ms. Parededs states the ECE PTA were fortunate to be involved in the new construction of the new elementary school and attended all the pre-construction and zoning meetings where many questions and issues were addressed concerning sun safety.
“Why is there no shade for the children during recess and PE? The two combined equate to approximately 220 minutes per week.” Ms. Paredes continued,”Time after time the answers were consistent. There is no room in the budget and there is not enough expressed need for a sunshade. They are missing the point, ignoring the research and data, discrediting proven facts, and simply eyeing the budget. The sun is dangerous and most danger occurs during childhood. The damage from the sun is progressive. Why are they ignoring that? Why are we slowly damaging our children every day?”
The Eagle Creek Elementary PTA and community rallied and raised funds within two years and were able to have a sunshade constructed over playgrounds at Eagle Creek Elementary, allowing 100 minutes of shade per week to a play area that was directly exposed to the sun.
Ms. Paredes continues to raise awarenees for sun safety, “I personally, due to my history, feel a responsibility to fight my hardest for all our children. Eagle Creek has their sunshade, Laureate Park will eventually have theirs, and then to Tallahassee to fight for the rest of Florida schools.”
Heather Green, ECE PTA Member and Parent, also felt the lack of shaded outside areas was unacceptable for their elementary school, “It was crazy to think of the students not having a covered area anywhere on campus and especially the playground. The slides could not even be used during afternoon recess sessions by the students because they were too hot. Most of us believe that all Florida schools should be built with shade structures for various outside areas.” She expresses the children are enjoying more time in the shaded play area, “The area of coverage extends past each playground giving kids “free space” with shade, as well. We believe it will allow for more outside time by the students.” She continues, “The shade structure has been thoroughly enjoyed by the students, teachers and parents already this year! Having shade over any playground makes a huge difference in the temperature and experience the children are having out there. We felt it was in the best interest of the students at Eagle Creek Elementary to have and enjoy a covered playground and we hope to add some more shaded areas in the future.”
At this time, shade canopies for playground equipment is only considered as an accessory and it is up to concerned parents and officials to raise awareness by taking extra steps of adding shade protection to prevent potential burn injury from hot equipment as well as shielding from dangerous U.V. rays.
Safeguarding kids from potentially dangerous playground conditions during the hot summer months.
