Shade Sails Deliver Sun Safe Play Areas to Maggie Island School

Magnetic Island State School students are enjoying more sun-safe outdoor play, with new shade sails now installed over two playgrounds and the school's basketball court.

The $100,000 project was secured through the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund (GCBF), following an application by the school's Parents and Citizens Association in Round 124 of the GCBF Super Round.

The completed installation provides valuable shade for students during lunch breaks and outdoor activities, helping them stay cooler and better protected from North Queensland's harsh sun and high UV conditions.

The shade sails cover two of the school's playgrounds and basketball court, creating more comfortable outdoor spaces where students can enjoy lunchtime play, sport and other activities throughout the year encouraging them to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.

Member for Townsville, Adam Baillie MP, told the MCN, the project was a great outcome for Magnetic Island State School and its students.

“We announced this grant to the school community earlier year and it's fantastic to see these shade sails installed and students already making the most of them,” Mr. Baillie said.“North Queensland's sun can be unforgiving, so providing proper shade over these play areas means students can get outside, stay active and enjoy their breaks with greater protection from the sun.“The Crisafulli Government is investing in regional Queensland and this is a practical investment that will make a real difference to the Magnetic Island community for years to come.

”Magnetic Island State School P&C Vice President, Bridget Kerans, said the new shade sails had made a significant difference to how students could use the school's outdoor facilities."This is a great reward for the kids to be able to use these playgrounds again and be protected from the sun." Ms. Kerans said."You can definitely feel the difference underneath the shade sails, and they can play any time of the day now, so the kids are loving it."