Public recreation areas are the pride and joy of many cities. They add beauty to communities and provide a gathering place for friends and neighbors. Plus, they attract tourists, support the activities of local schools, and give people of all ages a place to play. But making the most out of a park means having the right amenities, including facilities and structures that make the area usable every month of the year. Fortunately, steel construction makes it possible to develop and maintain recreational buildings at a low cost. Here are a few ideas for how to use metal to make public places even better.
#1 Gymnasiums or Activity Centers
Because of the flexibility of steel for creating functional designs, gymnasiums are a great option for metal construction. For example, it’s easy to construct a gym based on the current needs of the community. Easy enough to expand with new sections over time, too. General activity centers offer a place for community members to gather for social events, classes, and celebrations. As a bonus, a well-designed event center can also bring in revenue for the city if it is available to rent for special occasions. Steel is an affordable building material. Therefore, getting approval to spend funds on this type of project may be easier, and construction moves quickly.
#2 Shade Structures
Having fun in the sun is only truly enjoyable when there’s a place to retire away from those UV rays to take a break. Heat-related illness is a real public health threat in the summer in many areas of the United States. Providing shade structures over playground equipment can help prevent little hands and legs from burning. A shaded dugout gives sports teams a place to rest while they wait their turn on the field. Even picnic areas can also feature metal awnings where there isn’t enough tree cover. These projects are very easy to design and implement and deliver immediate satisfaction to park visitors.
#3 Bunkhouses and Shelters
State, national, and local parks that encourage camping can benefit from using steel buildings. They can provide accommodations for groups that aren’t prepared to rough it with a sleeping bag on bare ground. Steel works well as the roofing material for screened shelters as well as for the entire structure of full dormitory-style sleeping facilities. The rugged material is ideal for semi-wilderness environments and harsh environmental conditions. They require very little maintenance to stay in good condition for generations.
Give Your Community a Metal Makeover
One of the most exciting things about steel is that it immediately upgrades the appearance of a park or recreation area. That’s one reason many towns tear down outdated wood structures instead of investing in costly repairs and ongoing maintenance. Metal is durable and impervious to insects and rot. It even comes in the city’s colors or the colors of a home team to promote community pride.
Take a look at some of the projects we’ve completed for other Parks and Rec clients.
