RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Triple-digit temperatures and smoky morning skies are keeping Northern Nevada families indoors this summer, sparking a growing demand for shade structures at local playgrounds where exposed metal and plastic equipment can quickly reach burn-inducing temperatures.
While many municipal parks feature shaded pavilions or picnic areas, playground equipment itself is frequently left in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Parents and child development experts warn that the lack of overhead protection is severely limiting outdoor activity when children need it most.
“We had to go to McDonald’s because it’s cool,” said Adolfo, a local parent who was looking for indoor alternatives for his children. “But these kids need to come to parks. It develops them, it helps them get their socialization skills up, exercise—it’s a lot of fun for them.”…