The District of Squamish will be planting trees in Eaglewind Park. According to a report presented to Council, District staff is proposing trees close to the play structure in Eaglewind Park to provide more shade in summer.
The Eaglewind community had asked the Council to explore a shade shelter that would cover the play structure during hot summer weather.
The staff did explore this option as part of the 2022 budget, but priced the shade structures at over $45,000. The amount raised concerns about limited effect, as it did not protect against rain, and raised maintenance concerns for longevity and safety through the winter months.
The staff has now proposed to plant trees instead, though the park is also on the list to receive a small, covered structure as well to help provide a refuge from the sun and rain for Eaglewind play structure and pathway users.
Eaglewind is among 12 areas in the community where the District plans to install covered structures. In 2021, the staff completed three medium-size covered structures: At Stan Clark Park, on Cleveland Avenue, and at the new Dentville Neighbourhood Park.
Jim Lorman says
Thanks for a common sense approach to the issue of shade during the hot summer days. What ever happened to bringing a sun shade umbrella to the park/beach and putting some sun block on your child’s body. Vitamin D is a necessity, and it comes from the sun.