EFFECTIVE SHADING MAKES PLAY SAFE

Generating a mammoth 1200 square meters of shade, this vibrant addition to Howard Park makes for sun-safe play.

With the aim of enhancing the livability and amenity of the area, developers for the residential estate of Gregory Hills in New South Wales required a large-scale, all-weather structure that would protect its newly built playground, Howard Park.

A vast playspace with a plethora of play challenges, Howard Park is a $3 million multipurpose super playground. A mecca for childhood fun, the park’s many attractions include an enclosed toddler area with sandpit, slide and log garden. Play equipment for school-age children with slides, tunnels, a variety of swings, together with a huge climbing net and rock-climbing area. For older kids, a multiuse hardcourt sports facility caters to basketball, soccer, table tennis and roller sports. Landscaped with synthetic turf, natural gardens and softfall surfacing, Howard Park is a beacon for hardcore play for all ages.

Wanting a statement that highlighted the exceptional facilities being constructed, the developers requested an all-weather shade system that would make a visual impact while providing appropriate coverage for the play equipment and leisure zones. Enter Pro-Knit Industries!

Specialists in durable shade fabrics, Pro-Knit was commissioned to provide the fabric required to create a series of high-quality shade structures. Consisting of two large-span shade sails and five smaller structures, the shade coverage on this project spanned a total of 1200 square metres to generate a sun-safe environment for park users.

Manufactured from Monotec 370 Series shade cloth, the all-weather shade sails are extremely durable. Developed specifically for use in tension structures, sails and awnings, Monotec 370 offers the perfect combination of sun protection and strength to ensure covers remain maintenance free and look as good as new for years to come.

Manufactured in Australia to handle the harsh climate, Monotec 370 is ideal for large commercial applications, making it the perfect choice for the Gregory Hills project. Manufactured from 100 percent round monofilament HDPE yards, the fabric will not stretch over time, ensuring the long-term integrity of the structures. An “install and forget” fabric, Monotec 370 requires no maintenance and is supported by an industry-leading 15-year UV warranty.

To match the impressive playspace and mimic the bright colour scheme, Pro-Knit supplied the shade cloth in Mellow Haze Yellow and Sherbet Orange colours, giving Howard Park a vivid and distinctive identity.

Unique in their brightness and shape, the shade sails are a dominant visual feature of the park. Rising to heights of up to 10 metres, the structures provide exceptional coverage over a variety of areas, while also ensuring they stand as a focal point for the neighbourhood and give the locals of Gregory Hills pride in their community.

PROJECT PARTICULARS
Client Alfresco Shade
Location Gregory Hills, New South Wales
Shade Structures Alfresco Shade
Building Contractor MLJ Constructions
Landscape Contractor Rodmar Landscaping
Fabric Supply Pro-Knit Industries