Tree-planting program to create cooler playgrounds
More trees are on the way for some of the City of Tea Tree Gully's hottest playgrounds to help create cooler places for kids to play.
This follows a city-wide review of playground temperatures using advanced heat-mapping technology. The review found that a lack of trees and irrigated grass – along with location and material types – contributed to higher temperatures.
Playgrounds that recorded the highest surface temperatures will be prioritised for the tree-planting program.
The planting of trees was listed in the review as an ideal way to cool playgrounds because trees are generally more effective at cooling playgrounds than shade cloth and come at a lower cost.
As playgrounds are upgraded, Council will now also look at using existing tree shade, lighter-coloured materials and irrigated lawns to create cooler microclimates.
With more than 120 playgrounds across the City, improvements will be gradually rolled out.
In the meantime, the Council website will be updated before summer with details on when the most shade is available at each playground.
Mayor Marijka Ryan welcomed the new approach on playgrounds.
“Our playgrounds should be places where families can spend as much time as possible, particularly in summer. These changes will make a big difference.”
