Protection against the sun and heat in Scherpenzeel
As a result of climate change, solar heat and UV radiation are posing increasing health risks. Children are particularly vulnerable. The municipality of Scherpenzeel has been planting trees since 2016 in the pursuit of biodiversity and climate resilience. However, the risks of UV radiation had not yet been mapped out. The municipality addressed this with support from the ZonMw healthcare funding organisation and the GGD community health service. It joined the GGD project “Prevention of skin cancer and heat stress”. The objectives: cooling play areas, protecting children and making residents aware of the risks posed by the sun and heat.
Photo: Trees planted at play area in Scherpenzeel. Photographer: Jara Lomme
What measures have been taken?
The municipality planted trees in play areas and placed a sunscreen dispenser at a sports field:
- Trees to provide shade
Sixteen trees were planted in six play areas. These trees provide shade and have a cooling effect. The location of the trees ensures that in the future, they will provide shade over playground equipment. Seating areas have been created underneath the trees. - Sunscreen dispenser
The Cruyff Court now features a sunscreen dispenser. In the first two months, it already dispensed 2,273 doses of sunscreen. Use of the sunscreen dispenser is monitored automatically. - Schools
All the primary schools were offered teaching materials. OBS De Dorpsbeuk primary school joined the project and is exploring whether its new schoolyard can be equipped with shade cloths and a sunscreen dispenser. - Communication
Reports were published in De Gelderlander regional newspaper, on the neighbourhood platform, in the municipal newsletter and on social media. They reached an estimated 2,000 residents, approx. 20 per cent of the population. - Policy
In order to retain attention for UV radiation and heat stress, the municipality will continue to manage the trees and the sunscreen dispenser. Furthermore, the theme of “shade” will be included in the municipal Environmental Plan.
Photo: Sunscreen dispenser. Photographer: Jara Lomme
Intentionally no shade cloths
The municipality intentionally refrained from fitting shade cloths because of the high risk of vandalism. Furthermore, the sunscreen dispenser was tested by the junior mayor, which garnered additional media attention.
Lessons learned
Are you interested in setting up a similar project? The municipality of Scherpenzeel has the following tips:
- Time and capacity: a project takes more time than you would think. Making sufficient staff and time available is important.
- Schools and sports clubs: even when materials are provided free of charge, people are reluctant to commit. Personal contact helps, as does a minimum of fuss for the participants.
- Money: future budget cuts may affect the retention of measures. For that reason, sun and heat protection must be set down in both policy and budgets.
Contact
Jan Boertjes
Municipality of Scherpenzeel
j.boertjes@scherpenzeel.nl
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