Parasols for Schools

Child Safety

Children need the freedom to play outdoors year-round—whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a rainy autumn day. Having reliable shade and shelter ensures they can enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably.

Traditional center poles on parasols can be a hazard during play. That’s why a soft impact protector around the pole helps reduce the risk of injury by cushioning accidental bumps. A specialized in-ground installation, designed for sandboxes, stays hidden beneath the surface to prevent tripping and make digging and imaginative play safer.

Young children are especially vulnerable to UV radiation, and their natural protection develops slowly in the early years. Even on cloudy days, a significant amount of UV can reach the skin. Many playgrounds or kindergartens lack adequate shade from trees or other natural barriers.

That’s where large commercial-grade parasols provide essential protection. They block harmful rays, keep children cool, and even make rainy-day play possible without cutting the fun short.

Installation Options Tailored for Safe Play Environments

Outdoor spaces designed for children—whether at schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, or even restaurants with family-friendly areas—require thoughtful planning to ensure safety, comfort, and accessibility. While shade structures aren’t classified as play equipment, they play an essential role in creating a secure and welcoming environment.

Modern parasol systems can be installed in ways that reduce hazards, particularly in sandbox areas where in-ground mounting prevents tripping. Features like spring-assisted locking handles provide a safer alternative to crank systems, eliminating exposed insertion points and minimizing the risk of pinched fingers.

Even though formal sun protection regulations may not exist for all outdoor play areas, there is a clear responsibility for caregivers, educators, and site managers to protect children from preventable harm. UV exposure poses serious risks, especially to young skin that is more vulnerable to sunburn, heatstroke, and long-term damage.

Certain shade systems are purpose-built to meet the demands of child-friendly spaces. These models prioritize safety and ease of use while offering dependable sun protection and creating a bright, inviting atmosphere that enhances the joy of outdoor play.

Built with Care at the Center

The core features of our large-scale parasols make them ideal for outdoor play environments where safety and reliability are essential.

The fabric canopy is certified for UV protection and carries a dermatologically rated sun protection factor of UPF 50+, meaning it blocks over 98% of harmful UV rays from reaching the skin.

Engineered for high wind stability, these parasols offer peace of mind in varying weather conditions, supported by installation options that meet safety standards and eliminate tripping hazards—even in sandbox areas.

A soft, foam-padded impact protector wraps around the central pole to minimize the risk of injury during active play. It is both secure and highly visible, fastened with a Velcro system for easy replacement or adjustment.

Opening and closing the parasol is quick and straightforward. Instead of a crank mechanism, spring-loaded tension latches are used, which eliminate common pinch points and meet key child safety criteria.

A built-in cylindrical lock on the latches prevents children from operating the parasol without supervision, adding an extra layer of safety.

The canopy material meets OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Class 1, ensuring it is safe for sensitive skin and produced with sustainability in mind.

The fabric is also fully waterproof, resistant to dirt, and easy to clean, making it a long-lasting and hygienic option for busy outdoor environments.

Bahama Product Information

UV Protection

Similar to SPF ratings for sunscreen, textiles are measured by their Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). A high UPF rating means the fabric offers strong protection from harmful UV rays. The material used in our parasol canopies meets the highest standard—UPF 50+—which provides “excellent” dermatological protection. Less than 2% of UV radiation is able to penetrate the fabric, helping to shield skin from sun damage even during extended exposure.

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – Class 1 Certified

While it might seem unusual to compare parasol fabrics to materials used for children's clothing, the textile membrane used in these parasols meets the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Class 1 certification. This is the highest safety classification, typically reserved for textiles intended for babies and young children, ensuring they are free from harmful substances.

Even when there is no direct skin contact, environmental safety and sustainability remain essential—especially in spaces designed for children. This certification reflects a commitment to health-conscious materials and responsible production.

Impact Protection


When it comes to preventing injuries, the choice between metal and soft padding is obvious. A brightly colored foam guard wraps securely around the center pole at play height, creating a cushioned barrier that helps reduce the risk of bumps or bruises during active play. This added layer of protection ensures that the parasol is as safe as it is functional in child-friendly environments.

Overhead Clearance for Playgrounds

Installation Options

A variety of mobile and fixed installation options are available to suit different site conditions and safety needs. Each mounting style ensures the parasol remains securely anchored in place.

A recessed ground sleeve is ideal for locations like sandboxes, where flush installation reduces tripping hazards.

For permanent or semi-permanent setups, options include an in-ground sleeve or a surface-mounted steel plate, both offering long-term stability.

When mobility is required, a cross-frame base with weighted flagstones provides reliable support while allowing repositioning when needed.

Built to Withstand the Elements

Wind can be unpredictable, often arriving without warning. That’s why structural stability is critical in outdoor shade systems.

These parasols are engineered for strength, using durable materials and reinforced components to handle sudden gusts with confidence.

Enhanced sturdiness translates directly to improved safety, offering peace of mind in both everyday use and unexpected weather conditions.

Rated for High Wind Performance

Depending on the installation type and size of parasol:

Jumbrella:
Wind force 10 102 km/h

Jumbrella XL:
Wind force 11 110 km/h

Bahama Offerings

Easy

  • Entry-level design
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Perfect for flexible setups

Event

  • Great value for cost
  • Entry-level with low-maintenance servo system

Jumbrella

  • The classic
  • The solution for everything – range of sizes, combinations, and special features

Jumbrella XL

  • Designed to cover large areas for maximum shade and coverage.
  • Built to withstand demanding weather and environmental conditions.
  • Offers a range of customizable add-ons to suit different needs.

Caravita Product Information

Installation Options

Caravita offers a comprehensive range of installation solutions tailored for both mobile and permanent parasol setups. Whether flexibility is a priority for frequently rearranged outdoor spaces or a secure, fixed installation is required for long-term stability, their selection of high-quality bases and ground sleeves ensures seamless integration across a variety of parasol models and environments.

Mobile Base Options
Designed for patios, rooftops, and spaces where parasols may need to be repositioned, Caravita’s mobile bases combine portability with durable construction.

Fixed Ground Sleeves
For installations requiring maximum wind stability or long-term placement, Caravita offers sleeves set in concrete foundations.

Acrylic Awning Fabric (Standard)

Caravita’s standard acrylic awning fabric is crafted from 100% solution-dyed brand acrylic. Unlike traditional yarn dyeing, the colour pigments are embedded directly into the fibres during production. This results in long-lasting, vibrant colours with outstanding resistance to UV exposure, weather, and fading over time.

The fabric is highly durable, offering excellent tear resistance and a water- and dirt-repellent finish thanks to specialized impregnation. It's a trusted choice for long-term outdoor use in both residential and commercial settings.

Waterproof rating: 300–370 mm water column (EN 20811)

Colour and weather fastness: Rated 7–8 out of 8

Finish: Water- and dirt-repellent

Material: 100% acrylic, 285–300 g/m²

Custom branding: Commercial printing available on canopy and valance

Swela Sunvas Uni

This high-performance fabric is made from 100% polyester and treated with advanced SNC impregnation for superior dirt and water resistance. Its breathable and weatherproof construction makes it ideal for long-term outdoor use, while the material resists rooting and maintains its shape without permanent stretching. With excellent elasticity and durability, Swela Sunvas Uni is engineered to withstand the elements.

Waterproof rating: Up to 350 mm water column (EN 20811)

Light and weather fastness: Rated 7–8 out of 8

Chlorine fastness: Rated 4–5 out of 5

Material: Polyester mesh with SNC impregnation

Surface weight: Approx. 310 g/m²

Finish: Water- and dirt-repellent

UV protection: Excellent sun protection with UPF 50+

Double Support Struts

The double strut hub reinforces the main struts where the fabric is mounted, providing extra stability and strength. An internal aluminium profile adds further support—particularly important for larger parasols—resulting in exceptional durability and improved wind resistance.

Innovative Sliding Mechanism

A smart sliding system makes opening the parasol effortless. With a simple tap on the locking switch, the canopy automatically unfolds halfway using its own weight. A gentle push of the handle completes the process. This intuitive mechanism allows for fast and easy operation—even with large parasols.

Caravita Offerings

Supremo

  • Opens and closes easily with a smooth sliding mechanism
  • Faster operation even for large parasol spans
  • Ideal for gardens, restaurants, schools, and public spaces

Big Ben Freestyle

  • Custom-made parasol with freely selectable shape and size
  • Provides up to 36 m² of shade with side lengths up to 7 meters
  • Offers both practical coverage and standout visual appeal

Big Ben

  • Professional-grade parasol designed to stand out on any patio
  • Majestic appearance signals comfort and shelter from a distance
  • Built for hospitality with extras, wind stability, and spans up to 7 meters

Amalfi

  • Freely suspended canopy creates a light, floating impression
  • Lateral mast design maximizes usable space underneath
  • Optional rotary base allows 360° rotation without moving the parasol