AAD Shade Structures provide permanent outdoor shade in areas that are not protected from the sun. With shade structures in almost every state in the U.S., including a growing number of large outdoor community locations such as city zoos and piers, the number of people being shaded is increasing every year, bringing shade to more local communities.
Learn more about how you can fund a shade structure through the Academy's Adopt-a-Shade program.
Support AAD Shade Structures
Donate to provide access through community outreach programs, such as the Shade Structure Program.
Your support of AAD Shade Structures makes an impact in your local community. Learn more about the impact of this grant program by reading these stories.
“Each year, Adkins Arboretum engages over 1,700 students ages 2-18 in hands-on environmental education programs. The Visitor's Center patio has always been a prime gathering spot, but gets very hot and sunny during the summer months. Enter the AAD Shade Structure! With its installation, our students can gather on the patio safely and comfortably no matter what the season. The patio is also enjoyed by our 26,000 annual visitors. Thank you, AAD, for supporting sun safety at Adkins Arboretum!”
“Collinsville Upper Elementary was delighted and extremely grateful to have been chosen as a Shade Structure Grant recipient. Thank you for making our shade structure become a reality. It will make a lasting impact in our community by providing protection from the Oklahoma sun to all the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in our school district for years to come. We are so happy with its installation!”
─ Dawn Eyler, Parent Volunteer, Collinsville Public School District, Shade Structure Grant recipient
“We believe that outside play is a vital part of developing the whole child. We are so incredibly grateful for this structure. It significantly increases the amount of time we can safely access the play area.”
─ Robin Fountain, Principal, James B. Edwards Elementary School, Shade Structure Grant recipient
“This is such exciting news and we so appreciate the generous grant and the expanded benefit shade will provide our students and visitors of the Miner Playground for All. Thank you for such a special opportunity for our Miner community. Our sincerest appreciation to all involved in making this happen.”
─ Judy Hackett, EdD, Superintendent of Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO) - Miner School, Shade Structure Grant recipient
