Attachments of Whau Local Board

1 Introduction

1.1 Project brief

The Whau Local Board has commissioned an assessment of existing and potential future provision of shade and shelter across the local board area. Provision of structures for shade and shelter within Whau parks and places is currently inconsistent, with different types of facilities interspersed across the network, installed on a project by project basis.

This provision assessment is intended to help the board to prioritise future investment in shade or shelter provision for appropriate locations within the Whau Local Board area.

This report summarises the outcomes of a network assessment of shade and shelter provision across the local board area and provides guiding principles for future investment in shelter provision. See Appendix A for Map of current provision and opportunities for future.

2 Background Information

A number of existing studies and planning documents produced by the Whau Local Board, Auckland Council and other organisations provide a rationale for, or context to this shade/shelter assessment. These are discussed below.

2.1 Whau Local Board Plan 2017

The relevant objectives and key initiatives of the 2017 plan include the following:

1. Objective – Celebrate our diverse communities and their heritages.

· Key initiative – support activities that develop our understanding and celebrate our history and our multi-cultural identities.

2. Objective – Whau has a network of great community buildings, sports fields and parks.

· Key initiative – Seek opportunities to increase and improve the open space and sports fields network, particularly in our high growth areas.

2.2 Diversity in the Whau Parks Needs Assessment

· In 2018, the Whau Local Board undertook research into how diverse cultural communities value and use local parks, with a focus on what the barriers to using parks are and what kind of one-off activities and ongoing programmes are needed so that Council can better serve these communities. Relevant to this shade/shelter provision assessment were the following comments within the report:

· The investigation identified five consistent key themes for how diverse communities value open space :

· Parks to increase diverse access and ownership of public space.

· Parks to improve health and wellbeing.

· Parks as educational spaces for food growing and sustainability.

· Parks for family and community connectedness.

· Parks as Multi-use/adaptive space.

· The investigation identified a number of actions for how we could better provide for diverse communities within parks. One of the recommended actions was investigation into the provision of covered space / shelter.

2.3 Tākaro – investing in play

Auckland Council is developing a high level plan for how it invests in play across the Auckland region. A discussion document was released in 2017 and public and stakeholder feedback on this was collated in February 2018.

The discussion document highlighted that shade over children’s play equipment can be provided artificially with permanent or seasonal structures, or naturally with trees, but that artificial shade cannot be provided at every playground. It noted that the cost of personal sun protection is low compared with the public costs of artificial shade provision. The document promoted natural shade from trees as preferable to artificial shade.

Responses to this issue during consultation on the discussion document indicated that submitters felt that shade was important for play spaces, but the reasons given were diverse. They included overheating of children and equipment, the comfort of adults, as well as protection from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and rain. There was no consensus on how shade should be provided, with shade sails, permanent structures, and planting more trees all identified as options.

The draft Tākaro – Investing in Play plan, to be released for consultation in April 2018, is intended to include guidance to support local board decision making on investment in ancillary infrastructure for play spaces, including fencing and artificial shade.

2.4 Auckland Sport & Recreation: Strategic Action Plan 2014-2024

The Strategic Action plan does not include any specific discussion about provision of covered outdoor recreation or provision of shelter to encourage recreation. The 18 actions within the plan do, however, include the following relevant goals:

· Auckland’s diverse range of communities being more active – Encourage recreation and sport opportunities that appeal to a diverse range of communities and bring communities together, particularly new migrants, older adults and people with disabilities.

· Accessible and activity friendly environments – Develop and improve accessicility of open spaces, facilities, harbours and waterways to encourage physical activity as part of everyday life and provide for a range of safe recreation and sport uses.

· Fit-for-purpose network of facilities – Provide quality fit-for-purpose facilities at regional, sub-regional and local levels for information recreation and sport.

2.5 Auckland Design Manual – buildings, shelters and toilets

The Auckland Design Manual does not provide any specific guidance on provision of shade and shelter in parks and other public places. It does however guidance on how built shelters should be planned and constructed:

· Consider the visual impact of shelters.

· Design structures that are sensitive to the surrounding landscape, in terms of built form, scale, materiality and location.

· Consider the Impact of a shelter in terms of increased vehicular and pedestrian use and whether additional paths, vehicle access or parking are required.

· Combine or cluster structures to minimise overall visual impacts and loss of open space.

· Ensure safe and legible access.

· Ensure that structures have multiple uses where possible.

· Ensure universal accessibility.

· Direct views from shelters towards the landscape to reinforce important vistas and view shafts.

· Consider sustainable design principles.

2.6 Under Cover. Guidelines for shade planning and design (Cancer Society of New Zealand, 2000)

The Cancer Society of New Zealand has produced guidelines for shade planning and design. These aim to highlight the importance of shade in reducing exposure to solar UVR and to encourage the provision of shade that is functionally, environmentally and aesthetically sympathetic to the surrounding area.

The publication highlights the importance of providing shade at the right place, at the right time of day and at the right time of year. In the Auckland region, UVR exposure is greatest in the summer months (September to April) between 11am and 4pm, when the sun is more directly overhead. Indirect or diffuse UVR from the atmosphere (the visible sky) or reflected from smooth or light coloured surfaces (eg sand, new concrete or a light coloured wall) also contributes to UVR exposure. Protection from UVR is greatest at the centre of any natural or built shade area and decreases towards the edges where indirect UVR exposure is greater. For example an umbrella gives little protection from diffuse UVR.

Natural shade provided by trees is preferable in terms of environmental benefits, embodied energy and cost, but the effectiveness of trees in preventing UVR exposure depends on the density of foliage. Built shade can be either permanent, demountable, retractable or temporary. Often a combination of natural and built shade will provide the best solution for reducing UVR exposure and improving human comfort levels.

Key principles described for providing good quality shade include:

· Providing at least 94% protection from UVR.

· Creating an environment that is comfortable to use in both summer and winter (eg. cooling breezes in summer, protection from south-westerly winds, access to winter sun and passive heating from ground surfaces or walls).

3 Network Assessment

3.1 Whau Local Board area

The Whau Local Board area has five existing permanent shade or shelter structures as included in Auckland Council’s asset database. There is a significant shelter with a stage and access to power and lighting at Olympic Park which provides space for several families picnicking or up to about 20 people undertaking group fitness/recreation/dance activities. A smaller shelter is located at Te Kotuitanga Park, as well as a pergola structure at Manawa Wetland Reserve. Two formal shade sails are found within the Whau, one at Olympic Park over the junior play area and one at Sister Renee Shadbolt Park over a portion of the skatepark.

Photograph 1: Shade/shelter/stage structure at Olympic Park, New Lynn

Photograph 2: Shade/shelter structure at Te Kotuitanga Park, New Windsor

Photograph 3: Shade/shelter structure adjacent to the skate park at Sister Rene Shadbolt Park, New Lynn

3.2 Neighbouring local board areas & schools

There are a number of shade or shade/shelter structures within parks in adjacent local board areas. Most of these comprise shade sails over play areas or seating/picnic/BBQ areas, but there are also permanent shade/shelter structures for other activities at Monte Cecilia Park Walmsley/Underwood Park and Wahine Toa Park in Puketāpapa, in Rahui Kahika Park in Henderson-Massey and Waterview Park and Potters Park in Albert/Eden. Examples are shown in the photographs below.

Large shade structures or waterproof shelters over basketball courts or other outdoor learning environments are present in some schools within the adjacent areas. These include Three Kings School (refer Photograph 8 below), Cornwall Park School, Gladstone Primary School, Western Springs College and Maungawhau School.

Photograph 4: Shade/shelter structure at Monte Cecilia Park

Image 5: Artists impression of fale structure at Walmsley Park (Source: FilipeTohi and McCoy & Heine Architects)

Photograph 6: Fale sade/shelter structure at Waterview Park, Waterview

Photograph 7: Rotunda at Potters Park, Balmoral

Photograph 8: Shade/shelter structure at Three Kings School, Puketāpapa

4 Provision and design principles for shade & shelter

The following principles provide guidance on whether, where and how to invest in shade/shelter in Whau parks and places. The guidance applies to renewals as well as new projects. Guidance is provided separately for shade provision in play spaces and for other recreational facilities, and for shelter from sun and rain/wind, either permanently/seasonally or temporarily.

4.1 Shade for play spaces

Provision principles

Encourage personal/parental responsibility for protection from UVR, including use of hats, clothing, and sunblock, and avoidance of sun exposure during summer peak UVR exposure hours (11am to 4pm September to April)

Where possible locate new or upgraded play spaces were existing trees provide shade during summer peak UVR exposure hours

Establish new large grade trees at existing, upgraded or new play spaces that will provide shade during summer peak UVR exposure hours for play equipment and caregiver seating

Prioritse shade provision for passive play areas (eg. sand or water play, toddler play areas) and caregiver seating over active play areas (eg. jumping/climbing equipment)

Minimise reflective UVR exposure be using non-reflective textured materials in and around play spaces

Consider providing temporary built shade structures in new destination play spaces until trees mature

Consider providing permanent or demountable built shade in addition to trees at destination play spaces where families typically stay for more than one hour

4.2 Shade for other recreational facilities

Provision principles

Where possible locate new facilities such as seating, picnic areas, BBQs, skateparks, basketball half courts and interpretive signage where existing trees provide shade during summer peak UVR exposure hours

Prioritse shade provision for informal recreation areas that are used continuously for an extended period of time and/or where use would be significantly enhanced by providing shade. These may include seating and picnic areas, BBQ areas, skateparks (particularly waiting or seating areas), spectator areas at sports facilities, interpretive signage areas (more than just a single sign) and outdoor areas for active recreation or events

Where shade rather than shelter from wind or rain is required, prioritise establishment of new large grade trees that will provide shade during summer peak UVR exposure hours

Chose and locate trees so that they do not compromise thermal comfort during cooler months (ie. consider use of high canopy or deciduous trees where appropriate)

Consider providing permanent or demountable built shade in locations that have the following characteristics

· A high level of use of children and adolescents (most at risk from UVR exposure)

· An average duration of use of one hour or greater

· Provision of natural shade is not feasible

· Provision of shade would significantly enhance recreational use

Provide temporary shade structures at community events

Consider providing temporary shade structures in key locations during the months of peak UVR exposure (eg. sports fields and picnic spots)

4.3 Significant shelters

Provision principles

Consider providing permanent shelter that:

· Accommodates multiple uses (eg. perimeter or moveable seating, picnics, small events, recreational activities for up to 30 people)

· Is located in a suburb park with existing adequate car parking provision

· Is co-located with other buildings and facilities (eg. community centre, hall or swimming pool)

· Is near an existing public toilet

· Has an adjacent area suitable for audience seating if used for events

· Includes provision of water and power

· Avoids nuisance effects for park neighbours and other park users

Consider trialling a temporary shelter to determine the level of use and appropriateness of location prior to investing in a permanent structure

In order to maximise use of any built shelter, ensure formal programming/booking by Council and/or a community group

As budgets allow, consider smaller permanent shelter structures in locations that have the following characteristics:

· A high level of use

· An average duration of use of one hour or greater

· Provision of shelter from sun and rain would significantly enhance recreational use

Work with local schools that have weatherproof covered outdoor recreation area to facilitate shared use outside school hours

4.4 Design principles for permanent or demountable built shade

Design principles

Provide shade to key areas of play spaces or informal recreation facilities during summer peak UVR exposure hours (11am to 4pm September to April)

Provide a protection factor or PF15 or greater, or use a shade material that blocks at least 85% of UVR

Provide shade that extends beyond the target areas to minimise diffuse UVR exposure (could be provided by trees or climbers)

Allow sufficient warm-coloured light penetration for ambience and thermal comfort

Ensure that structures minimise adverse visual impacts and are compatible with the landscape setting

Ensure universal accessibility

Ensure safety for users in terms of physical hazards and personal safety. Aspects to consider include:

· play space fall zones

· tripping hazards

· sharp edges

· clearance heights for climbing on structures

· hiding and entrapment spaces

· passive surveillance

Minimise potential for vandalism and undesirable activities

Consider maintenance costs and overall life span

Consider sustainable design principles (eg. prioritising renewable materials and low embodied energy)

4.5 Design principles for built shelter

Design principles

Provide shade to the activity area during peak summer UVR exposure hours (11am to 4pm, September to April)

Provide shade that extends beyond the target area to minimise diffuse UVR exposure (could be provided by trees or climbers)

Provide shelter from the rain for the activity area

Provide shelter from cool south-westerly winds (could be achieved by planting or climbers) but allow cooling breezes in hotter months

Allow sufficient warm-coloured light penetration for ambience and thermal comfort

Provide a flat well-drained surface within the shelter

Ensure that structures minimise adverse visual impacts and are compatible with the landscape setting

Ensure universal accessibility

Ensure safety for users in terms of physical hazards and personal safety. Aspects to consider include:

· play space fall zones

· tripping hazards or sharp edges

· clearance heights for climbing on structures

· hiding and entrapment spaces

· passive surveillance

Minimise potential for vandalism and undesirable activities

Consider maintenance costs and overall life span

Consider sustainable design principles (eg. prioritising renewable materials and low embodied energy)

5 Network Opportunities

5.1 Play space shade

Desktop research and site visits indicate that the following play spaces are significantly lacking in natural shade for play equipment and/or for caregiver seating and picnic tables.

Play space	Shade issues	Opportunities
Ambrico Reserve	No shade, north facing	For new plantings near playground Healthy Waters project happening next summer, tree planting
Chalmers Reserve	No shade	Very close it is to Avondale and given there is a large renewal project coming up. Should use natural plantings
Brains Park	No shade	Opportunity for planting. Potentially as part of play project as per concept plans
Crum Park	Limited existing shade and will likely have more use in future	Project coming up to put in BMX, as well as renewal of playground. Should be considered for both natural and permanent shade
Craigavon Park	Has partial shade from tree cover	This is a destination space could be considered for a shade sail structure
Brydon Place Reserve	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Canal Reserve	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Eastdale Reserve	No shade	Renewal occurring – there is an opportunity to top up to get a natural or sail shade outcome here
Green Bay Domain	No shade	Opportunity for planting. Potentially as part of project as per concept plans
La Rosa Reserve	No shade	Renewal occurring – there is an opportunity to top up to get a natural or sail shade outcome here.
Miranda Reserve	No shade	Renewal occurring – there is an opportunity to top up to get a natural or sail shade outcome here.
Temuka Gardens	No shade	Well used, not sure how sunny it gets here. Could benefit from planting for shade
Maui Reserve	No shade	Renewal occurring – there is an opportunity to top up to get a natural or sail shade outcome here
Henry Reserve	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Copely Reserve	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Lawson Park	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Manuka Park	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Mason Park	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Northall Park	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Shipton Reserve	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Patts Reserve	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Kelman Square	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Hinau Reserve	No shade	Could benefit from planting for shade
Avondale Central Reserve	No shade	Low priority
Dicky	No shade	Not a large demand

5.2 Permanent shelter

Potential locations for a larger permanent shelter sufficient for up to 30 people within the Whau based on the provision principles are at Blockhouse Bay Recreation Reserve, Archibald Reserve.

Play space	Shade issues	Opportunities
BB Rec Reserve	Though there is shade with trees. The concrete volleyball courts off Terry St are not used for their purpose any more.	Instead theyre used by a number of diverse community groups - for social recreation, including dancing and tai chi. These groups have been requesting a large shelter to enable all weather activity. There is enough space, as well as supporting infrastructure, and no large shelters nearby. There is a new volleyball court nearby at Valonia Reserve
Archibald	No Shade in new playground area	Would be a good opportunity to provide some form of shade for the users of the new playground as large grade trees are not allowed since this is a landfill. Community particularly wanted to see something that could be used as a stage - in order to showcase the unique talents of Kelston! The benefit to a shelter here would be providing shelter for picnics, kai and socialising with the whole whanau. This again was a key goal with the play development, that it was for the whole family to stay a significant amount of time due to how far it was located from the playground and ties in to the theme of transport - given this was a key stop over for waka on the portage.
Crum Park and Craigavon		More appropriate for smaller shelter installations similar to Te Kotuitanga Park

5.3 Temporary shade/shelter

Should the local board decide to invest in a temporary shade/shelter structure, it is recommended that various locations for this structure be trialled to determine the level of use. It is also recommended that community programming (eg. Out and About programme, ACE programming or equivalent) of any temporary structure be undertaken to increase its use.

6 Conclusions

1. Provision of shade and protection from UVR exposure should prioritise personal/parental responsibility first, including use of sunblock and protective clothing, and provision of natural shade from trees where feasible.

2. Natural shade for play equipment or caregiver seating/picnic tables is significantly lacking across the network and presents an opportunity to introduce more canopy trees into Whau (aligning with the Urban Ngahere Strategy).

3. Natural shade should be considered wherever possible, otherwise a trial of a temporary shelter would assist in determining the level of use and the appropriateness of a particular location prior to investment in a permanent shelter.

4. Temporary or demountable built shade should be considered for new destination play spaces, particularly for passive play areas and caregiver seating.

5. Where built shade is recommended, it should be targeted to facilities or areas that have a high level of use by children and adolescents, used continuously for more than one hour, and where provision of built shade would enhance recreational use.

6. Any significant permanent built shelters should be co-located in suburb parks with other existing facilities, should accommodate multiple uses, and should ideally be programmed to maximise their use.

7. Potential locations for a larger permanent shelter sufficient for up to 30 people have been identified at Blockhouse Bay Recreation Reserve, Archibald Reserve, Crum Park and Craigavon Park.

8. Subject to local board approval, the recommendations outlined in the assessment will be investigated further by the Community Facilities Investigation and Design Team, as funding becomes available.

7 Bibliography

Auckland Council. Whau Local Board Plan 2017.

Auckland Council. Tākaro – Investing in Play. Discussion Document 2017.

Auckland Council. Auckland Sport & Recreation. Strategic Action Plan 2014-2024. Plan refreshed 2017.

Auckland Council. Tākaro – Investing in Play. Analysis of consultation feedback. February 2018. http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2018/02/ENV_20180220_AGN_6836_AT_files/ENV_20180220_AGN_6836_AT_Attachment_58786_1.PDF

Buller, DB et al. Shade Sails and Passive Recreation in Public Parks of Melbourne and Denver: A Randomized Intervention. American Journal of Public Health, Vol 107, No. 12, December 2017.

Greenwood JS, Soulous GP, Thomas ND (2000). Under cover: Guidelines for shade planning and design. NSW Cancer Council and NSW Health Department Sydney. Adapted for New Zealand use by the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

Mackay, Christina (2016). Built sunshade in New Zealand Public Spaces – six case studies. Health Promotion Agency New Zealand.

Point Research (2018). Research on activating parks for diverse communities in Puketāpapa.

Ethnic Peoples Plan 2019