Shade Systems Blog

Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center adds shade protection to community aquatic park

2009-07-01T14:20:00.002-04:00

Shade Systems is proud to announce it has recently provided a multitude of Shade Kite shade structures to the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center in Gurnee, Illinois.

Named for their soaring sky-bound shapes, Shade Kites from Shade Systems are an innovative, imaginative variation of traditional square frame-supported shade structures. With one corner post twice the height of the other three, Shade Kites offer the design flexibility of orienting them tilted toward the sun for maximum shade protection. Shade Kites are manufactured as single shade structures or connected together in groups of two, three, four or more.

The Community of Gurnee Outdoor Aquatic Center’s primary mission is to offer a fun, high quality, safe swimming experience to the citizens of Gurnee, Illinois. The aquatic center is the largest in Lake County, Illinois, with a 1,500 swimmer capacity. Slides are standard, featuring tube, drop, body, speed, youth & toddler slides to provide a fun experience for the entire family. The aquatic center features a spray ground, sand volleyball court, lap pool and cascading waterfalls.

Shade protection is important to the City of Gurnee, Illinois and has become an integral part of their outdoor public aquatic facilities. Shade protection from Shade Systems allows the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center to provide an environment of fun and excitement while still maintaining proper safety procedures for sun overexposure.

Do you have shade in your Skate Park? Choose Shade Systems!

2009-06-08T09:10:00.000-04:00

As with any outdoor recreational daytime activity, the need for shade at public skate parks is paramount, and Shade Systems is the leading manufacturer of shade structures for skate parks.

Shade Systems was recently featured in the Bowie Blade-News in Bowie, Maryland for providing its single cantilever shade structure to the newly renovated Allen Pond Skate Park. Matt Reno, Project Manager with the City of Bowie is very pleased with the decision to choose Shade Systems: “After exploring several options and product lines, a single cantilever shade structure manufactured by Shade Systems was chosen to meet the city's requirements. As desired, cantilevers protect people from the sun's rays and keep the bleacher system much cooler,” said Reno.

You can read the full article by clicking here: http://www.shadesystemsinc.com/bowiebladenews.htm.

Please call us today at (800) 609-6066 to discuss how we can provide an innovative shade structure at your existing or proposed skate park!

Shade Systems continues supplying shade structures for multiple Miami-Dade County Parks

2009-05-18T15:40:00.000-04:00

Shade Systems is proud to continue supplying its shade products to Miami-Dade County Parks. In 2009 so far, the landscape architect staff at the County has selected Shade Systems for several important park shading projects, including Tamiami Trail Park, West Perrine Park, Tamiami Lakes Park, Miller's Pond Park, and Continental Park, among others. The shades have been installed at playground areas to protect children and their parents from the harmful effects of the sun’s U.V. (Ultra-Violet) rays.

The Parks Department staff has an ongoing program of providing shade in public areas to reduce the occurrence of dangerous sun exposure for its residents. As the inability to quickly remove and re-install other shade manufacturers' canopies has been a concern to the County, the landscape architect staff at Miami-Dade County cited Shade Systems' innovative easy fastening system, the Turn-N-Slide™ as one of their primary reasons for making the award. They also considered Shade Systems' superior and extensive warranties when making their selections.

In designing its products, Shade Systems has answered the need for quick removal of the fabric canopy when needed. The patented Turn-N-Slide™ is a revolutionary fastening system which comes standard on all frame-supported Shade Systems products, and makes removing and re-attaching the CoolNet™ fabric canopy a breeze!

Café Umbrellas from Shade Systems win MVP award two years in a row

2009-04-24T09:50:00.001-04:00

Shade Systems is proud to announce its patented Café Umbrella is the recipient of the Most Valuable Shade Product Award from Aquatics International Magazine for two years running. Aquatics International’s Most Valuable Product (MVP) awards feature the top reader-approved tools, equipment and accessories being used in the aquatics industry today.

Shade products are one of the top 3 most desired amenities by aquatics managers nationwide, as surveyed by Aquatics International. And 67% of NRPA members name shade products are their most needed purchase in 2009.

Café Umbrellas from Shade Systems are portable and collapsible and provide convenient shading for a variety of outdoor environments such as pools, skate parks, theme parks, concessions, restaurants, patios, and any other outdoor gathering places where people desire protection from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (U.V.) rays.

Café Umbrellas feature an innovative, patented crank mechanism which allows a single person to quickly and easily collapse the umbrella to a folded position by turning a single crank. In the case of inclement weather or security, the umbrella collapses and can easily be stored.

Miracle League of Westchester adds 2 Single Cantilever structures to baseball complex

2009-04-13T11:50:00.000-04:00

Shade Systems is proud to announce it has recently provided 2 Single Cantilever shade structures over dugouts at the Miracle League of Westchester in White Plains, New York.

Ideal for shading a dugout or seating area, this highly functional and efficient design from Shade Systems features support posts that are only located on one side of the structure which creates a large shaded space for obstacle-free circulation. Single Cantilever structures from Shade Systems are the ideal solution for arranging seating and tables.

The Miracle League of Westchester’s mission is to establish and sustain baseball programs for people with disabilities while providing an opportunity for those individuals to experience the joy and benefits that come from playing our national pastime.

Shade protection is an integral part of their baseball park operations since providing an environment of fun and excitement while still maintaining proper safety procedures for sun overexposure is a priority to their organization.

City of Bowie, Maryland, receives new Shade System at skate park

2009-03-27T15:03:00.001-04:00

Shade Systems is proud to announce it has recently provided a large cantilevered shade structure for the Bowie Skate Park located in Allen Pond Park in the City of Bowie, Maryland. The structure was installed over a five row bleacher system at the skate park to provide skaters and spectators with protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays as well as relief from the heat during the hot summer months.

“The City sought a shade structure that would fit within the confines of the area that could be easily installed, assembled, deployed, and removed, and that would be aesthetically appealing to park users” says Matt Reno, Project Manager for the City of Bowie. And that’s just what the City received. With its innovative Turn-N-Slide™ system, Shade Systems makes it easy to remove and reattach the canopy in case of inclement weather.

Reno said: “I was the motivating factor behind this improvement, as I have experienced firsthand, the need to protect your skin from the damaging effects of U.V. rays. As a kid, I was always outdoors, and not listening to mom about putting on sun screen has now resulted, at age 40, in numerous basal cell carcinomas having been removed from my body over the past 5 years. By having a shade structure available at the Bowie Skate Park, there was at least a place where skaters and spectators could find relief from the sun. Not to mention, it looks really cool!”

The City of Bowie thoroughly considered several shade manufacturers and chose Shade Systems for its excellent customer service, high quality, and durable products. “After visiting your website and drilling down through every possible link, I was able to quickly determine that Shade Systems would provide a product that will last, tolerate the abuse public park amenities receive, and provide staff with an easily deployable and removable shade canopy,” said Reno.

The UV Index and your city

2009-03-24T11:03:00.000-04:00

The UV index is a standard measurement of how strong the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at any given location. Its purpose is to help people to effectively protect themselves from UV light and help educate to prevent overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Public-health organizations recommend that people protect themselves when the UV index is 3 or higher.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) together with the National Weather Service (NWS) have developed an online UV Index that allows you to look up the UV Index by day for your particular city. You can access this helpful information by going to http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html.

City of Lake Charles, Louisiana shade projects featured in two industry magazines

2009-03-18T16:53:00.004-04:00

The shade projects completed for the City of Lake Charles, La. have been featured in the March 2009 editions of Recreation Management magazine and Specialty Fabrics Review. Both publications have featured the rebuilding efforts currently underway in the City of Lake Charles after the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The City of Lake Charles has made shade a top priority during their rebuilding efforts.

Café Umbrellas from Shade Systems

2009-03-13T14:32:00.002-04:00

Warm weather is just around the corner and with the warmer temperatures comes an increase in outdoor activities. Now is the perfect time to add Shade Systems Café Umbrellas by your pool, water park, concession stand, restaurant, patio, or any other outdoor gathering place where people desire protection from the sun's dangerous U.V. rays.

Café Umbrellas by Shade Systems are portable and collapsible and provide immediate shade protection in a wide variety of applications. Since this product is portable, it can be removed on-demand and there is no permitting or licensing from your municipality required for installation! It's as simple as picking your colors, receiving your product, and setting it up on-site! Café Umbrellas feature a unique crank mechanism that allows a single person to quickly and easily fold or unfold their Café Umbrella canopy for easy operation. Click here to see a short video of how it works: http://www.shadesystemsinc.com/Cafe%20Umbrella%20video_2.wmv.

Café Umbrellas are constructed of durable and corrosion-resistant aluminum components for strength, yet are lightweight for easy portability. All metal surfaces have a U.V. stabilized polyester powder-coat finish, available in a variety of durable vibrant colors. Canopies are available in Shade Systems' CoolNet™ shade fabric for maximum U.V. protection and cooling effect or with optional water repellent fabric.

Please contact us today at (800) 609-6066 to discuss how a Café Umbrellas can add value to your location! Additionally, please visit our website at http://www.shadesystemsinc.com/cafe-umbrella.htm to see pictures and learn more about our Cafe Umbrellas.

Sun Safety at a Glance Article

2009-03-09T10:07:00.001-04:00

Shade Systems is pleased to announce a new Sun Safety at a Glance article on our website at http://www.shadesystemsinc.com/sunsafety.htm. This article details facts and statistics about skin cancer and the many benefits shade provides to combat it. In addition, the article details the health effects of overexposure to the sun while explaining the various types of the sun’s ultraviolent (U.V.) rays.

Community Parks is included in the Economic Stimulus Package

2009-02-25T14:56:00.000-05:00

The NRPA’s lobbying efforts paid off, as Community Parks are eligible to receive funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Economic Stimulus Package) which President Obama signed into law on February 17, 2009.

Now is the perfect time to revisit your 2009 community park shade projects!

Immediate Action Requested -- Your assistance will help save Parks & Recreation

2009-02-11T09:59:00.000-05:00

Please ask your Senator and Representative to work with the Senate/House of Representative leaders to include the House version (section 1109) of the American Recovery and Investment Act in the final compromised bill. The House version does not prohibit the use of funds provided by the act from being used for community parks. Your Senator/Representative can be found below - please help your community Parks & Recreation by taking action immediately!

Background

The Senate and House versions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act include funding for various programs which will benefit local parks and recreation agencies.

These programs, such as Community Development Block Grants, Highway Infrastructure Investment, CDC's Health Communities, and Neighborhood Stabilization Programs, will provide funding for local park and recreation projects.

The Senate version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (section 1609) prohibits the use of funds provided by the act from being used for community parks. The bill specifically states: "None of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for any casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course, swimming pool, stadium, community park, museum, theater, art center, and highway beautification project."

The House includes identical language but does NOT specify community parks.

Talking Points

The House language does not specify community parks. Please ask leadership to include the House version of the language rather than the Senate version in the conferenced bill.

Park and recreation infrastructure across the country is in disrepair. Funding provided to programs through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will fund park and recreation projects. As a result of these projects, park and recreation infrastructure will be repaired and rehabilitated thereby creating local jobs as well as safe communities.

Park and recreation agencies provide essential community services and significantly contribute to a community's economic vitality.Park and recreation agencies provide close-to-home recreation opportunities, are the largest public provider of after-school programs, enhance environmental conservation and education, and help curb obesity.

Local park and recreation agencies work collaboratively with military bases to provide therapeutic recreation services to rehabilitate our soldiers who have been wounded in battle; they improve the quality of life and the functionality of our children who have autism through numerous programs and services and provide many other essential community services.

Programs, such as Community Development Block Grants, Highway Infrastructure Investment, CDC's Health Communities, and Neighborhood Stabilization Programs, are included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will provide funding for local park and recreation projects.

The funding park and recreation agencies could receive through these funded programs is vitally important to helping revitalize communities.

Get Involved

Please contact your state representatives today! Just click your State below to immediately receive your State Senators & House Representatives’ contact information.

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Announcing the Factory Tour Video!

2009-01-28T15:41:00.000-05:00

It’s here! The video tour of the Shade Systems factory is now online at http://www.shadesystemsinc.com/. You can also watch the Factory Tour video by following this link directly: http://www.shadesystemsinc.com/factorytour2.wmv.

This short, fast-paced five-minute video lets you take a peek inside the Shade Systems plant, following the path of a typical shade order – including design, manufacturing, packaging and shipping! By watching this brief video, you will learn about our extensive fabrication processes, and the level of detail and quality that go into producing every Shade Systems product.

We invite you to view our Factory Tour video today!

Why choose Shade Systems for your shade needs? Quality, features and warranty!

2009-01-06T10:31:00.000-05:00

Why is Shade Systems the fastest growing and most-specified product in the shade industry? Consider these advantages that only Shade Systems offers you:

Turn-N-Slide™ easy fastening system

Our unique Turn-N-Slide™ easy fastening system is standard, and makes it easy to remove and re-attach the fabric canopy for the winter season or in case of severe storm such as hurricanes. Most other shade companies’ products are permanent and require professional installers to remove and re-install the canopy.
Shade companies with a different fastening system do not offer the same 10-year warranty we do on the Turn-N-Slide™, and they do not have the time-tested experiences through hurricanes and repeated uses as we do.
See the 5-minute demonstration video at http://www.shadesystemsinc.com/Shade%20SystemsMed_Prog.wmv.

Engineered for high winds

Meets or exceeds International Building Code (IBC)
Engineered for 150 MPH wind speeds for frame only
Engineered for 90 MPH sustained wind speeds with canopy attached. Most of our competitors’ shade products are engineered for much lower wind speeds. Shade Systems not only engineers its products to withstand 90 MPH sustained wind speeds -- we have written our warranty to support it and stand behind it!

Extensive warranties

20-Years on metal frames against rust-through corrosion
10-Years on CoolNet™ shade fabric against deterioration
10-Years on CoolNet™ stitching thread against deterioration
10-Years on Turn-N-Slide™ Easy Fastening System

Fire Rated

CoolNet™ shade fabric is treated with fire retardants and passes the requirements established under NFPA 701 Test Method 2 test standards for flammability, including the accelerated water leaching protocol.

Provides Shade and Foul Ball Protection

Up to 99% U.V. screening protects against sun overexposure
Reduces temperatures by up to 15-20 degrees
Perfect for play areas and concessions near ball fields. Stray fly balls bounce harmlessly off the canopy!

Shade Systems is the leader in the shade industry because of our proven quality, innovative features, comprehensive warranties, and user-friendliness of the product once installed through the use of our Turn-N-Slide™ easy fastening system.

Turn-N-Slide™ Video Presentation

2008-12-17T11:51:00.002-05:00

Shade Systems is proud to announce a video presentation of our remarkable Turn-N-Slide™ easy fastening system which is now playing on our website at http://www.shadesystemsinc.com/home.htm. The small video on the homepage is a shortened version, while the full video (complete with audio narrative) can be found by using this link: http://www.shadesystemsinc.com/Shade%20SystemsMed_Prog.wmv.

Our unique Turn-N-Slide™ system makes it easy for you to remove and reattach your Shade Systems canopy for the winter season or in case of a hurricane, and is a standard feature on every Shade Systems frame-supported product. Our new Turn-N-Slide™ video shows a full canopy being removed from an actual Shade Systems frame in the field, and then being reattached.

We have found that many of our customers preferred their Shade Systems structure to those of our competitors primarily because we make it fast and easy to remove and re-attach the canopy. Only Shade Systems offers the Turn-N-Slide™ easy fastening system, and only Shade Systems backs it up with a 10-year warranty!