The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has officially announced the winners of its Shade Structure Program grant, one being right in Ocean City.
The Ocean City Primary School will be receiving up to $8,000 to construct a permanent shaded area on school grounds.
Local dermatologist, Dr. Kelly Kane, submitted a grant application on behalf of the Primary School to provide shading for the playground area.
By shading this area, the students will have reduced exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays and will be able to play longer, allowing them to have more fun while staying active, according to a news release announcing the grant.
Along with other benefits, shade keeps the playground equipment cooler to the touch and increases the life of the equipment.
“I’d like to thank Dr. Kane for getting our students involved with this grant. We’re excited to be able to utilize new outdoor spaces, while providing our students with an engaging learning environment to better educate them about sun safety,” Ocean City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Taylor said in the release.
AAD’s mission is to help raise awareness on the effects of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays and how people can better protect themselves while outside and utilizing shaded areas.
In order to qualify for the grant, applicants must have a sun-safety program in place for at least one year prior to application.
The project will incorporate a cloth, metal or wood roof build by a manufacturer of the school’s choice. Once constructed, the school will be required to hold a dedication or ribbing-cutting ceremony within 30 days of installation.
Since its launch in 1999, the Shade Structure Program has awarded 400 shade structure grants, which help provide shade for over 3 million individuals every day.
Other school updates will be posted via SwiftK-12 messaging, social media, as well as the OCSD website. The current Return to In-School Instruction Plans and additional COVID-Prevention guidelines can be found on the district website, oceancityschools.org.
