Metal playground slides can become dangerously hot in direct sunlight, creating a foreseeable risk of contact burns, particularly for toddlers and young children. Reported incidents in New Zealand and overseas include blistering, partial-thickness burns, hospital treatment and skin grafting. Playsafe examines the evidence, explains why shade and orientation matter, and outlines practical steps for safer playground design, inspection and asset management before a serious injur

New Zealand is getting hotter. That’s not just a casual observation anymore—it’s something we’re seeing play out on playgrounds every summer. Surfaces heating up. Equipment becoming uncomfortable to use. Kids playing in full sun during peak UV hours. And yet, shade is still often treated as optional. At Playsafe, we’re having more and more conversations with councils, schools, and ECE providers asking: “How do we add shade to what we’ve already got?” That shift is important.