Does your family love the Pāpāmoa's playgrounds but not the lack of sun shelter there? Then the Rotary Club of Pāpāmoa needs your help to build sunshades to provide better UV protection this summer.

In early-2022 Rotary Club of Pāpāmoa co-president Christa George learned of a group of local mothers concerned about the lack of sun protection at nearby playgrounds.

She thought there could be a way that Rotary could help, with one of the club's key focus areas being maternal and child health.

'Dr Bronwen McNoe from the Cancer Society says that sunshades reduce the UV exposure of people using playgrounds by nearly three quarters,” says Christa.

'When I read that, I realised the difference they make is actually huge.”

There are 21 playgrounds in Pāpāmoa – currently only two are equipped with sunshades. One at the Mount end on Hartford Ave, the other in Pāpāmoa East on Montiicola Drive.

To provide a shaded option halfway between these two, Christa says her Rotary club has chosen the Gordon Spratt Reserve playground for their first sunshade build.

Christa estimates the average cost for one shade to be between $22,000 and $55,000.

Though a grant has been provided from the Rotary Foundation for a portion of the costs, there is still a significant shortfall. This is where help from the local community is being sought.

'We are hoping to engage with locals who may be able to help in any way,” says Christa.

'Firstly, we want to raise awareness of the project; and secondly, we are seeking any help in the form of administrative skills, completing funding applications, providing labour.

Anything really.”

Rotary Club of Pāpāmoa co-president Christa George wants to see more shade over playgrounds in her area. Photos: John Borren.

According to Dr McNoe's research 'ultraviolet radiation exposure during childhood and adolescence is an important risk factor for the development of skin cancers later in life”.

Her findings state that more shelter in playgrounds would help to protect people from skin cancer.

Christa says her Rotary would like to see children off their devices and outside enjoying the fresh air – but in a way that is safe for them. They see playgrounds as a great way to encourage this, but with shade provided for protection.

However, this will take time – and money.

'We are hoping that parents and grandparents – or any other interested parties – might be willing to make a donation so that we can try and do something about getting more shades up quickly,” says Christa.

If you'd like to help, email: info@papamoarotaryclub.co.nz

Or donate at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/shade-for-papamoa-playgrounds