Our kids need shade. We are looking to purchase a shade awning for a very reasonable price. If the new school bond is approved, our school will close in 2011. FYI: A car port violates city ordinances, so we may need to abandon the idea. Can anyone suggest a product that their school owns?

Thanks, Tammy

Would a simple "pop-up" portable canapy work? I'm thinking of the kind used on camping trips but can't think of what they are called (only had one cup of coffee so far...sorry) but that could be something that would be the PTOs and when (if) the school does have to close, maybe a parent could purchase it or passed on to another school.

I have seen them from less than $100 on up. Something to look into at least.

Creative Awnings is a family owned company in my town. I can't vouch for a low price but can tell you that it's a good company. I don't see a website but if you do a google search for Creative Awnings, Coopersburg, PA, you'll find them.

Check out this website:

Shade Grants

You guys are SOOOOOO great! Thanks for the ideas. We happen to have a grant writer in our midst - what a great program!

Keep the ideas comin'. Tammy

We were thinking about doing this when my kids were in grade school. (Middle school now)
Anyway we did a playground project and there isn't any shade at our school. I contacted our playground rep. and he made some suggestions for us. The company is playworld systems. He suggested a Shade sort of like what you'd see at an amusement park. Poles would be installed permantely and the shades go up similar to a flag and connect to the other poles. It would have been nice but after the playground project I didn't have the energy to persue it. Good luck!