Opua marina Shadesail Far North Holdings

Opua Marina Playground Shade Sail Installation: A Council Shade Sail Success Story.

Creating Functional & Stylish Playground Shade for the Opua Community

When Far North Holdings Ltd commissioned Shadeland to provide playground shade for the Opua Marina, we knew this project would require both precision engineering and creative problem-solving. As a popular destination for locals and tourists, the playground needed a high-quality commercial shade sail solution that would protect visitors from the harsh Northland sun while enhancing the marina's aesthetics.

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The Challenge: A Complex Playground Shade Installation

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The project required shading a 20m by 13m playground—no small task. However, the biggest challenge wasn’t just the large coverage area; it was the unique terrain of the reclaimed marina land. Beneath the playground, tie rods were embedded every 800mm at a depth of 1m, securing the retaining wall. Unfortunately, these tie rods were exactly where our shade sail posts needed to be installed.

With traditional excavation not being an option due to the risk of disturbing the tie rods, our team needed an innovative solution to install the council shade sail without compromising the marina’s structural integrity.

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The Shadeland Solution: Hydrovac Precision & Smart Design

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To non-invasively locate and install the shade sail posts, we employed hydrovac excavation, a specialized technique that safely removes soil without damaging underground structures. This allowed us to map out the exact placement of the tie rods and strategically position our poles to avoid any disruption.

Additionally, we designed a custom shade sail system using a combination of:

• Triangular shade sails for the playground, ensuring optimal sun coverage.
• Rectangular shade sails to shade the BBQ area, providing a comfortable space for families and visitors.
• Color-matched fabric to align with Far North Holdings' branding, enhancing the marina’s visual appeal.

The final installation:

✅ Protected children & families from harmful UV rays with high-quality shade sails.
✅ Avoided interference with the tie rods, ensuring the marina’s infrastructure remained intact.
✅ Blended seamlessly with the surroundings, thanks to a tailored color scheme and design.
✅ Kept costs down by using strategic post placement instead of extensive structural modifications.

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This project is a perfect example of how council shade sails can be designed to overcome engineering challenges while providing safe, stylish, and functional shade solutions for public spaces.Why Choose Shadeland for Your Commercial Shade Sail Needs? Shadeland specializes in custom shade sail installations for councils, schools, and commercial spaces. Whether it’s a playground shade project or a large-scale commercial installation, we provide expert design, premium materials, and seamless execution.Looking for a high-quality council shade sail solution? Contact Shadeland today to discuss your project and get a free consultation.