Latest news with #shade
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Marlborough council approves $72k upgrade to Blenheim Skate Park
Kira Carrington, Local Democracy Reporter Mayor Nadine Taylor says better shading and lighting at Blenheim Skate Park is a matter of safety. Photo: Marlborough Express / LDR New lighting, shade and a mural is on the way for Blenheim Skate Park. The Marlborough District Council has approved $72,000 for the upgrades, which were requested by the recently established Skate Marlborough organisation in the 2024 Long Term Plan. The lighting improvements would allow skaters to safely use the park after dark, and shading, including two cantilever umbrellas, would help the skaters through hot Marlborough summers. Mayor Nadine Taylor supported the request, saying that shading and lighting were safety precautions. "Light and shade, they're not nice-to-haves, they're safety improvements," Taylor said. Photo: "They also improve the usability of the space so we get the double benefits." Funding for the upgrades would come from the council's $1.5m Land Subdivision Reserve, a levy charged to property developers for increased use of parks and open spaces. Councillor David Croad said the skate park improvements would provide a more welcoming space for young people. "We've got three items that are there to be funded... It's a modest amount of money that comes out of reserves," Croad said. "We often hear about there needing to be more for youth to do. "I'm really happy people continue to ask for vibrancy and colour in our community and what better place to put it, in a place like this? Council will work with Skate Marlborough when they review the Skatepark's equipment in 2026. Photo: Aimee Payne/ Skate Marlborough "The recent upgrade in Picton, I get down here a lot and it is always in high, high use." In 2024, the Picton Skate Park on Auckland St received upgrades, including a new halfpipe and grind boxes. Skate Marlborough, in its submission to council, said the Picton upgrades had transformed the space into a "thriving hub for skaters of all ages and skill levels". "The recent upgrades ... have proven that when you invest in quality community spaces, people show up," the submission said. "We've especially loved watching more young wāhine aged 8-13 take to the park, gaining confidence and connection through skateboarding." "We want to see this transferred to Blenheim Skate Park." Skate Marlborough said that while the Horton St skate park already had consistent growth in use, the upgrades would draw in more people. The skate park had not had any upgrades since 2017, when council put $60,000 towards new equipment. Parks and open spaces manager Jane Tito said that council staff were planning to work with Skate Marlborough, young people, and the park users when they reviewed the skate park equipment in 2026. "That review is really more around the assets, the jumps and features of the skate park rather than the sort of fundamental shading," Tito said. Croad praised Skate Marlborough for its proactive approach in supporting the growth of the sport in the region. "I applaud the group for coming together and their presentation [for the] LTP last year. It's what we want from [long term plans]," Croad said. "I really also am encouraged by the fact that they want to go and seek sponsorship and raise money to do other things as well." - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Car and Driver
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
View Interior Photos of the 2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country
A glass roof is standard. If you want a shade for it, you need to buy one from your dealer.
New York Times
11-07-2025
- Science
- New York Times
We Need to Learn to Love Tall Buildings
As the heat index pushed 105 degrees Fahrenheit one weekend in late June, my toddler and I were on foot, searching for a cool oasis. We found one in the wide, pale shadow cast by a 26-story apartment building on the Lower East Side, on a courtyard filled with the sounds of slapping dominoes and children on scooters, zooming around playground equipment. Although New York and other American cities badly need more shady spaces like this, it's far too difficult to create them. Planning codes discourage new high-rises in many neighborhoods, and urban designers claim their thousand-foot shadows make the open spaces around them less inviting. But the opposite is true on extremely hot days: The monolithic shade of buildings can actually enhance parks, playgrounds and plazas by cooling them down. As extreme heat becomes more common, urban dwellers need to relinquish their bias against daytime darkness and embrace the shadows. According to Kelly Turner, an urban planning professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the former director of the recently axed Center for Heat Resilient Communities, which was funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shade of any kind can shave 30 percent off the 'heat burden' — the total heat we gain outside — as well as ward off dehydration, headaches and serious heat illnesses. Too many tall buildings can trap heat and raise air temperatures, especially overnight — a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. But Dr. Turner told me that during the day, warming at least at the local level is offset by the cooling shade. Yet it's harder to find 'built shade,' as she and other researchers call the shadows cast by buildings and other man-made structures. In June, Dr. Turner and other U.C.L.A. researchers released a national shade map of over 360 American cities and towns that shows most shade is cast by trees, not walls. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Guardian
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Guardian
The best garden parasols and sunshade sails for every budget, chosen by our expert
Whether you're dining outside, relaxing with a book or entertaining guests, a well-placed parasol, umbrella or shade sail can transform your garden into a comfortable and stylish extension of your home. A carefully chosen shade can help protect you from UV rays (don't forgo a good sunscreen, though), creating cool, sheltered spots from where you can enjoy the outdoors without overheating or burning. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. The right design can enhance the look of your outdoor space, too, adding colour and pattern and complementing existing garden furniture. It's also worth noting that many parasols are portable, making them perfect for the beach or park. With plenty of choice available before peak summer demand hits, now is the perfect time to invest, so you can make the most of every sunny day, at home or on days out. I have been writing about design and interiors for more than two decades. In that time, I've covered a huge number of design-related subjects, from kitchens to carpets to bathrooms, bedding and beyond. Here, I've scoured a multitude of suppliers to find the very best sunshades, umbrellas and parasols to suit a host of scenarios and budgets. Hyams outdoor umbrella From £1,395 at King Living The Australians know a thing or two about creating shade, as this uber-functional umbrella from Sydney-based brand King Living proves. With six preset tilt options and foot-operated 360-degree rotation for optimal shade, it comes with remote-operated, solar-powered LED lighting that can also be charged via USB. Outsunny square cantilever parasol From £83.69 at the RangeFrom £87.99 at Amazon Available in four colours, including an uplifting orange, this cantilever parasol has a sizeable fabric canopy and a playful wavy border. A simple handle mechanism makes it easier to open and close the canopy. Aluminium cantilever umbrella £999 at Kingsley Smythe Measuring 3 x 3m, this is one of the few cantilever umbrellas that comes in a fun striped fabric. Including solar-powered LED lights, 360-degree rotation and a heavy granite base, this umbrella comes in either cool and contemporary grey or this fresh green colourway. Free arm garden parasol From £1,199 at Kettler£1,369 at John Lewis This high-quality parasol is made from non-crease, shower-resistant polyester that offers UV50+ sun protection, too. The aluminium frame has spring-loaded spokes, which ensure the canopy sits tight against it, and the modern design includes LED lights and even a wireless speaker. Berkfield double parasol £189 at Debenhams£200 at B&Q Providing twice as much shade as a regular parasol, this double-canopy design is easy to wind up and down thanks to its simple crank mechanism. Rigid steel ribs, a sturdy steel pole and a cross base help to keep the umbrellas stable. Available in black, cream and this super-stylish burgundy. Recycled polyester cream carousel parasol £70 at Dunelm This generous parasol has a crank mechanism that makes putting it up and down a breeze. Made from 100% recycled, wipe-clean polyester, the elegant cream shade is trimmed with beaded tassels that add just the right amount of glamour. Portable tassel parasol with tilt £39.99 at Christow£39.99 at Amazon Guaranteed to add a touch of vintage style to any occasion, this budget-friendly parasol is lightweight and portable, and has a tilt feature so that it can be angled in any direction. Standing at two metres tall, it comes in six pastel shades and has a cotton tassel trim. Fabienne double top crank and tilt parasol £199.99 at Daals The double-top vent design of this lofty three-metre-high parasol allows air to pass through, reducing wind pressure and making the parasol more stable. Made from UPF50+ polyester fabric that also has a water-resistant treatment, it comes in six colours (although three are currently out of stock) and has a crank-and-tilt function. The Poppy £235 at Boho Parasol Hut With its feminine, ruffled edging, this pink striped parasol will add a touch of romance to any garden or patio. Collapsible for easy storage, the lightweight, beech wood design comes with a matching carry bag to make it easy to transport wherever you go. Suntime Shanghai wind-up tilt parasol From £68.99 at The Range This cheerful yellow parasol will bring a touch of sunshine to any outdoor space, whether the real thing is out or not. Made from durable polyester, it can be angled using the crank-and-tilt mechanism, while its pole and ribs are made from powder-coated steel, making it hard-wearing. Daphne octagonal parasol £785 at the East London Parasol Company With an Arabian-inspired valance decorated with light blue tassels, the print on this octagonal garden parasol gives a nod to wildflowers. Made from water-resistant canvas lined with cotton, both sides are printed, while the frame features a double pulley system and brass fittings. The Amalfi umbrella £199 at Business & Pleasure With a reclaimed laminated timber pole, this UPF50+ and water-resistant parasol has a Mediterranean style. It provides maximum coverage with a chic, minimalist look. The simple, fringe-free design makes it more lightweight, and it comes with a matching canvas carry bag. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Sywawa couture garden parasol From £600 at Go Modern Smart and sophisticated, this parasol is made from hard-wearing Symacryl-coated fabric, which blocks out 97% of UV rays. Two layers of fabric are used to create the stitching detail, and the design is available in 12 colours. Designed to last, this shade is also suitable for commercial use. Artemis parasol £3,800 at House of Hackney Made from a soft-touch, linen-look fabric that's shower-resistant, anti-microbial and UV-protected, some of the proceeds from this classic outdoor House of Hackney umbrella go towards protecting forests, thanks to its partnership with the World Land Trust. George tiki beach parasol £35 at Asda Bring a touch of the tropics to your back garden with this fun, raffia-effect tiki parasol. It's height-adjustable, and a simple push-up-and-down function ensures it's easy to use. Comes with a practical carry bag, too. Simplicity parasol £925 at Plia This parasol is made from fabric used in the production of luxury yacht upholstery. Colour-matched to Farrow & Ball's paint shade Ammonite, it's mould- and stain-resistant and easy to clean. It's also resistant to colour change from UV light and chlorine. Premium waterproof sail shade From £64.99 at Zephyr Combining sun and rain protection, this shade has a smart, architectural look and comes in different shapes and sizes to suit your space. It's made from polyester and blocks more than 98% of harmful UV rays, and by positioning one corner slightly lower than the rest, the rain will run off directly, preventing it from sagging. Tasselled canopy £95 Cox & Cox A more decorative take on the shade sail concept, this tasselled canopy can be hung between trees or across a pergola. It's made from a water-repellent polyester with chic, black cotton tassels, and it comes with a carry bag, making it easy to take anywhere. Coconut fibre shade sail From £149.48 at Etsy Handmade by Indian artisans, this rustic-style shade sail is crafted from 100% natural coconut fibre – a water-resistant material that fares particularly well in adverse weather. Available in custom sizes, the loose weave nature of the fabric provides shade while still allowing air to pass through. Miasun portable beach tent £95.20 at Holloways of Ludlow Weighing just over a kilogram, this ultra-portable, tent-style shade provides about 3m² of cover to ensure the whole family is safe from the sun. It's easy to assemble and can be set up in three ways. Choose from nine cheerful colours and patterns. Beige rectangular sunshade sail £56 at Homebase Lightweight, tear-resistant and budget-friendly, this shade features stainless steel rings for secure attachment. Made from breathable knitted polyethene with a high UV50+ protection, it is perfect for use on camping trips, by pools, over patios or in gardens. It's easily cleaned, too, with a blast from a garden hose. Solaria furl shade £1,126.30 at Maanta This ingenious shade sail uses nautical technology and a high-quality furler that allows it to be manually retracted quickly and safely. The radial-cut sail allows greater distribution of tension, which makes it strong, durable and wind resistant. The right sunshade or parasol will depend on your space, budget and how you plan to use the area. It's worth noting that many designs, especially more traditional-style umbrellas, don't come with a base as standard, so you may need to buy one separately. Cantilever parasols offer excellent versatility and are ideal for larger spaces, such as patios, poolside areas or outdoor dining spots, where you want unobstructed room beneath the canopy. They can swivel, tilt and rotate, allowing for flexible shade coverage as the sun moves throughout the day. However, they're more expensive and require a heavy base, which can make them bulky and less portable. Tilting parasols can be more affordable and work well in medium-sized spaces, such as patios, seating areas and on decks. It's useful to be able to adjust the angles to block the sun from different directions, although the central pole can sometimes limit space directly beneath. They're also less stable in strong winds. Upright parasols are the most basic and cost-effective option, best suited for small patios, balconies and portable setups such as picnics. They're easy to store and set up, but lack the flexibility of a tilt or rotation function, offering limited directional shade. They also tend to be less stable in windy conditions, unless well anchored. Sail shades provide a sleek, architectural look and can cover large areas such as decks, playgrounds and patios without obstructing the space below. They're often more wind-resistant, but they need mounting points and are fixed in place, which means they don't adjust with the sun's movement, so correct placement is important. If you want your parasol or shade to last, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Cantilever, tilting and upright parasols should all be cleaned by removing loose debris with a soft brush, then wiping the canopy with a mixture of mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Check any moving parts and joints regularly, tighten any loose screws and lubricate, if necessary, with an all-purpose product such as WD40 to keep mechanisms smooth. Always close and cover a parasol or umbrella, especially during windy or rainy weather, and store indoors – or use a cover when not in use for any length of time. To deep clean a sail shade, lay it flat and use a mild detergent with a soft brush to remove any dirt. Rinse well and let dry completely before reinstalling. Check attachment points and tension regularly, tightening as needed to prevent sagging. Claudia Baillie is a journalist specialising in design and interiors. Although her days are spent writing about high-end and contemporary furniture and spaces, she loves nothing more than a rummage at a charity shop or car-boot sale. She's the proud recipient of several industry awards, including a Red Carpet Award, which is literally for writing about carpet. She owns too many souvenir 'I Heart' mugs. One day, she would like to live by the sea and become an artist
ABC News
18-06-2025
- Science
- ABC News
Vine-covered car parks helping to cool Western Sydney's urban heat islands
A new approach to providing shade at notoriously hot car parks has been shown to slash surface temperatures by up to half on summer days in Western Sydney. Surface temperatures at a busy car park in Merrylands are being reduced by as much as 35 degrees Celsius by vine-covered trellises which were installed and planted two years ago. On the hottest days, surface temperatures were shown to drop from 70C to 35C when in shade. Results from a study by Western Sydney University (WSU) and Cumberland City Council also show a reduction in air temperatures by up to 2.5C under the shading vines. The trellises are part of what the study described as Australia's first cool car park. Fast-growing vines grow over the top of metal supporting structures and then spread over a stainless steel mesh roof. Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed said the project was promising for the area where temperatures in summer heatwaves have reached 45C. "Merrylands and Granville top some of those suburbs as well in terms of urban heat," Ms Hamed said. Ms Hamed said the shading structures at council-run car park Holroyd Gardens did not reduce car parking spaces. The initiative was funded by a grant from the NSW government to foster green infrastructure. WSU's Professor Sebastian Pfautsch, who has been studying the vine-covered trellises' impact for the past three years, said the vines were expected to grow completely over the metal wire mesh in two years. "We demonstrate with our solution that you can do it in a way so that you don't even lose valuable car parking space." Professor Pfautsch said the trellises were made of a wire mesh that birds could not rest on, so residents did not find their cars defecated on, and used vines that did not grow fruit that could drop on parked vehicles. Professor Pfautsch said more than 6 square kilometres of Western Sydney were dark-surfaced car parks, and only 1 per cent of that was effectively shaded. Cumberland council's area includes 1 square kilometre of uncovered car park. He said these car parks could have surface temperatures greater than 70C on a hot day. "It's always those unshaded car parks that come out as micro heat islands," Professor Pfautsch said. A WSU report presenting the findings from the car park shades said the issue was pointed in Sydney's west where there was a greater dependence on cars because of a lack of public transport alternatives. Urban heat islands are particularly harsh in Western Sydney where temperatures can reach above 40 degrees during summer heatwaves. Extreme heat has killed 300 people and hospitalised more than 7,000 across the country over the past decade, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Professor Pfautsch said Western Sydney also experienced hotter temperatures in summer due to the geographical bowl that traps heat in, and increased development replacing green environments. "That bowl means once you have hot air in it, it's very difficult to blow it out," Professor Pfautsch said. Another cool car park structure has been set up at a commuter car park in Wentworthville, also in the Cumberland council area. Ms Hamed hoped more of them could be set up at car parks in the area, including at public and privately owned car parks. "We're looking at other places around the LGA where we can replicate this as well," she said.
