City of Darmstadt improves heat protection for children – pilot project with market umbrella in the Edelstein district is underway
The city of Darmstadt is further expanding sun protection measures at its playgrounds. The playground team from the Parks Department has installed new sunshades at the playground on Birkenweg. These are intended to better protect children and their companions from direct sunlight and make spending time there more pleasant, especially on hot summer days.
During a site visit, Michael Kolmer, head of the parks department, inspected the new shade structure. According to the city, the measure was expressly welcomed by local parents. The sunshades are intended to help reduce the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion while children play.
In parallel, the Parks Department is currently testing another form of shade provision. As part of a pilot project, a large market umbrella has been installed in a playground in the Edelstein district. It can be opened and closed as needed. The project is being implemented in cooperation with local residents. According to the city, initial feedback has been positive, but the practical test is ongoing.
“It is very important to me that we make progress on the issue of shade for our playgrounds. We need to create healthy and pleasant play opportunities, especially for our youngest children. Every shaded playground is a gain for the quality of life in our city,” explains Michael Kolmer, Head of the Parks Department.
The city's long-term plan is to provide sufficient shade for every playground where needed. Where natural shade from trees is not possible, sun sails or large umbrellas will be used.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
