Three new shade structures at Ryde Secondary College

Release date: 15 January 2024

Ryde Secondary College students can expect to be a touch cooler this season after School Infrastructure NSW built 3 new shade structures at the school.

Sunsafe choices for outdoor play was at the centre of the designs and will ensure the safety and wellbeing of students in all seasons.

The 3 shade structures include a large 45 metre by 22 metre Colorbond roof sheet structure over the school’s basketball court.

The other two 16 metre by 15 metre covered outdoor learning areas (COLAs) were built to cover assembly areas and overlap with existing walkways.

AMU director for Northern Sydney, Dave Thompson, said students and staff were delighted to get 3 significant shade structures built in one year at their school.

“The large shade structure over the basketball court and the 2 other COLAs which are situated in the middle and on the far-left side of the school will ensure the school community is protected from dangerous UV rays all year round,” Mr Thompson said.

“Sun protection is especially important during hot months when students are playing ball games or enjoy being outside.

“Shade structures such as the ones constructed at Ryde Secondary College contain a heavy duty foil-backed roof insulation blanket, which helps creates a cooler environment for those under it.

“All shade structures include LED lights that light up the area at night or during overcast days as well as state of the art PA systems with multiple speakers.

“The benefits have already been felt. The school community has been thrilled with the extra shade, especially as we are expected to have a very hot summer this year.”