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Class is in Session and the Heat is on: Industrial Sunshades for Outdoor School Spaces
As the summer begins to close and classroom doors open across the country, many learning institutions, from K-12 to college universities, are considering making their grounds safer and more comfortable for students, staff and visitors. One of the best ways to achieve a more attractive and comfortable campus is to look towards industrial shades for [...]
Shade Your EV Charging Stations with Apollo Sunguard
You’ve made the decision to purchase EV Charging stations to attract more customers and enhance the experience of your place of business. Now it’s time to protect your investment by placing your charging stations under shade. Shaded charging stations lower heat, conserve energy, require less maintenance, provide faster charging and enhance curbside appeal – all [...]
The Dog Days of Summer: Safeguarding Pets with Apollo Sunguard’s Shade Structures
With the summer months setting in, summer's intensely hot "dog days" are quickly approaching. The summer sun can bring dangerous temperatures that pose significant health risks to pets. For this reason, pet-friendly or pet-centric businesses should prioritize the comfort and safety of their furry clients, especially in hot seasons. Thankfully, Apollo Sunguard offers commercial-grade shade [...]
Rev Up and Cool Down
In the heart of the Sunshine State, there's a racetrack where the thrill of motorsports and a passion for racing is embedded into the asphalt. This place is no other than Circuit Florida, a newly established private motorsports club that strives to deliver the best racing experience for racing enthusiasts across the state. The tight corners and [...]
Hot Car Prevention Month
As a new bill passes, Florida recognizes the dangers of cars left in the sun. Hot cars are a health hazard, and efforts are being made this April to remind Florida residents of the potential consequences of parking their vehicles in the scorching heat. According to NoHeatStroke.org, heatstroke stands as the leading cause of non-crash [...]
Yo Ho Yo Ho, A Shaded Life for Me!
Making One-of-a-Kind Shade Structure Visions Come to Life Located on the shores of Sarasota's beautiful bay, Bayfront Park became the canvas for a special project envisioned by the City of Sarasota. Due to the park's proximity to the bay, the city saw a unique opportunity to design an enchanting shipwrecked-themed playground and splash pad. Apollo [...]
Parking Shades: The Key to Improving Business and Protecting Property
When it comes to parking, nothing beats a nicely shaded parking spot protected from the sun’s heat. Even if it means going out of the way, many of us take the extra time to look for shaded parking. This habit is especially true for those who live in states with hot summers like the Sunshine [...]
How Shade Structures Can Combat Rising Temperatures in Eco-Friendly Style
No, you're not imagining it. Outside is hotter than ever! Last July broke global temperature records. According to ERA5 data from the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), July was the hottest month in Earth's climatic history. July even broke the record for the hottest day three times within the first week, surpassing the previous [...]
Cantilever Shades: A Versatile Shade Solution for Any Location
As the sun beats down, finding a solution to create a comfortable outdoor space for refuge from the relentless heat becomes a top priority. Enter the Apollo Sunguard Cantilever shade structure and you’ll find cooling comfort. That’s because Apollo Sunguard shade covers are made from a high-density polyethylene material and ultraviolet additives that are breathable, […]
Shading America’s Fastest-Growing Sport
Enhance your pickleball court with a durable and stylish shade structure. What's America's fastest-growing sport? The answer is pickleball. Yes, this sport has a funny name, but pickleball is serious business. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has gained immense popularity, with 4.8 million people now playing. Its explosion in popularity is [...]
Time Is Running Out! Don’t Miss Out on Florida’s EANS Grant for Non-Public Schools
Looking to expand your private school with outdoor classrooms? The Florida Department of Education’s Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) Grant Program can help. The EANS program was created to address educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in eligible private schools. It provides reimbursements and vendor payments for equipment and services recommended by the […]
HOAs: Upgrade Community Amenities with Shade
Want to Extend Your Time Enjoying Community Amenities? Look no further, Apollo Sunguard has you covered. We specialize in creating inviting heat reduction outdoor spaces with UV protection shade structures. We work closely with Homeowner Associations (HOAs) to provide top-quality shade structures for playgrounds and pools to tennis and bocce courts. We tailor our solutions [...]
Improve Business with Shaded Parking
Finding parking may not be so difficult in the Sunshine State, but keeping vehicles under the intense Florida heat presents a unique challenge. Unshaded car interiors can get unbearably hot, and high summer temperatures can damage vehicles and pose serious health risks. Fortunately, Apollo Sunguard can help you keep cool and improve your business with [...]
You’re Protected With Our Industry-Leading Warranty
From sweltering heat to serious storms, many parts of our beautiful country experience extreme weather. That’s why it’s not only important to provide shade for your family, customers, employees or constituents – but to ensure that it’s durable and comes with a reliable warranty. We offer a 20-year non-prorated warranty on the structural integrity of […]
Protect Kids and Equipment with Apollo Playground Shades
In schoolyards and local parks, playgrounds are where kids learn to socialize and engage in healthy exercise – combining their limitless imaginations with play towers, monkey bars, slides and more. Naturally, bumps and scratches can happen, and tears often flow. Such is expected, and safety solutions like equipment padding and mulch are widely implemented. In […]
Why Pets Need Shade to Be Safe
Pets, although especially vulnerable to heat-related health risks, are often overlooked in the yearly struggle against summer weather. Most domestic animals such as dogs and cats possess ineffective thermoregulatory abilities compared to humans, relying mostly on panting and escaping sunlight to keep cool. Combined with thick fur coats and minimal sweating, enjoying year-round outdoor activity [...]
Because “Game On” is Meant to be Cool
Shade Structures & Sports Venues: The Perfect Combo Whether cheering from university grandstands or competing at local park courts or fields, sports are meant promote healthy socialization and exercise. Still, they often pose dangers beyond their necessary physical demands. Exposure to heat and direct sunlight, even for short periods, can evoke serious health risks and [...]
Improving & Expanding School Campuses with Shade Structures
The value of outdoor education has been one of the COVID-19 pandemic’s greatest revelations. Although most schools have loosen COVID-19 restrictions, emphasis on open-air activities has continued in learning facilities of all stages—from K-12 to colleges and universities. Research has shown significant improvements in students’ test scores, health and behavior by practicing outdoor activities in […]
Shaded Parking Lots: An Appreciated Amenity
Today, shaded parking structures serve a purpose beyond providing people with a place to park. Increasingly, parking lots are being designed to make a property more attractive and, therefore, more sought after. The structures can build value for a property, improve tenant retention, enhance vehicle protection, and drive revenue for those businesses that charge for […]
The Benefits of Curbside Pickup and Shade
More than half of U.S. consumers have used curbside pickup to purchase items, and even more shoppers want to give it a try, according to the National Retail Federation. It’s been a popular addition for many businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the experts at ecommerce giant Shopify think it’s here to stay.
Define your space with shade
The Florida sun shines brightly in beautiful Sarasota, where Nathan Benderson Park has become a beloved spot for tourists, fitness enthusiasts and families. Park officials had an Apollo Sunguard shade structure installed over the playground in 2018. Now it’s one of the defining characteristics of the space. People walking, jogging, driving or even rowing by […]
How Business Can Use High Performance Shade Structures & Sales to Redefine Outdoor Spaces Like Patios, Courtyards & Much More!
It’s become more important than ever for businesses to make good use of their outdoor space amid the COVID-19 pandemic. And it’s not limited to any one industry. Many bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, offices and other firms can benefit from making their outdoor areas more functional and attractive.
How to Optimize & Protect EV Charging Stations
Earlier this month the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) hosted energy and water professionals across the federal, public and private sectors at the Energy Exchange 2021. This event focused on connecting participants to the present and the future of efficient, resilient, secure, and sustainable energy and water solutions. Apollo Sunguard was proud to be a part of this event.
Shade the Courts: Shade Structures for Outdoor Sports
Titan shade structure over basketball court. Florida is known for its intense heat. When the temperatures are high, playing outdoor sports can be exhausting – and potentially dangerous. Adding shade structures for outdoor sports courts, such as tennis and pickleball courts, may be a factor that determines whether people enjoy the outdoors or stay inside, [...]
Green Credits for Parking Lots and EV Charging Stations
by Professor Buck Abbey, Landscape Architect Green Building systems such as LEED 4.1TM™ BD+C, and SITES v2TM™ promote responsible environmental design and construction. These programs do this by certifying points that measure sustainability. Architects, engineers, landscape architects and contractors who follow these practices reduce water demand, manage and clean stormwater runoff, reduce energy consumption, improve […]
Fabric Covers vs. Metal Covers
When choosing between a metal shade cover or a fabric shade cover, it is important to know the benefits and disadvantages of each. Answering questions such as "Which material will last longer?," "Which requires less maintenance?" and "Which will look best in my space?," will help you make the best choice when selecting a shade [...]
Shade: A Must Have Community Amenity
Improving community aesthetics is an investment worth making. The Sarasota community knows this and that is why they just added shade to the Tony Saprito Fishing Pier. Attractive, quality shade structures were just one of the many improvements made to this popular and scenic fishing pier that was built in 1979. Though the addition of [...]
EV Charging Stations Get Faster Charging Times When Shaded
Never has there been a demand for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations like we are seeing today. And with this demand, is the need to expand the EV charging station infrastructure. With the Biden administration in Washington, D.C., the U.S. federal government appears to be poised to aggressively invest in EV charging infrastructure. Right here […]
3 Things to Look for in a Shade Structure Manufacturer
When investing in a shade structure, it is important to make sure that the structure and the shade fabric is made to last. To ensure you get great value, make sure to find a shade manufacturer that provides a strong warranty. Apollo Sunguard has such a warranty. In fact, we have the shade industry’s strongest warranty — 15 years on all fabric and 20 years on steel framework.
Shade for Schools Enhances Safety and Extends the Classroom
Shade structures are a valuable addition to school campuses. Shading outdoor recreation areas protects students and staff members from solar UV radiation, the primary cause of skin cancer. Shade structures can also extend classroom and gathering space, allowing learning and activities to take place outdoors and provide additional opportunities for fresh air and social distancing.
What You Should Know When Choosing Shade Sails
Almost any outdoor living, lounging or recreation area can be improved with the installation of a shade. If you’re considering adding shade, you may already know the many benefits of shade sails, including blocking UV rays, lowering ambient and surface temperatures, reducing sun damage and prolonging the life of shaded furniture and equipment.
Using Shade to Create Inviting Outdoor Spaces
Humans crave time outside. We are wired to enjoy fresh air and open spaces, but we also want protection from too much sun and heat. Fortunately, shade structures can be used to create outdoor rooms and define areas for outdoor dining, recreation and relaxation. Let’s take a closer look at using shade to create inviting [...]
Form Follows Function: The Design of Shade Structures
“Form follows function” is an architectural principle that asserts the shape of a building or object should primarily be based on its intended function or purpose. It’s generally associated with industrial design in the 19th and 20th centuries, but has its roots with Roman architect, engineer and author Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. In 40 BC, Vitruvius wrote that all structures should have three attributes: strength, utility and beauty.
Four Outdoor Amenities that Are Better with Shade
Whether you want to attract buyers, renters or guests, outdoor amenities are what make the first impression and cause your property to stand out. Add to or update your location with today’s most popular outdoor amenities, but don’t forget the shade! The lure of sunny days enjoyed in the fresh outdoors draws people in, but shady respites from the sun’s heat keep people coming back.
Shade for Green Parking Lots
According to the Green Laws Research Project conducted by landscape architect Buck Abbey, parking lots are America’s most often used outdoor space and, unfortunately, most have harmful effects on people, animals and the environment. The solution is green parking lots. In Buck’s words: Greening a parking lot transforms a hot, dusty, dirty layer of paving that has been striped to temporarily store automobiles into a more wholesome urban forest setting.
Shade Structures for Outdoor Classrooms Add Breathing Room
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a number of unexpected challenges, such as the need to practice social distancing. Many school districts are implementing guidelines that call for at least six feet of space between students and fewer than 11 people in a room. With space at a premium in most schools, meeting these requirements can be difficult.
How to Prepare Your Apollo Sunguard Shades for a Hurricane
Apollo Sunguard’s high quality fabrication and materials are engineered to stand up to 115 MPH Wind Load per current International Building Code (IBC), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7, Florida Building Code (FBC) and applicable city, county and state codes. However, we recommend removing the fabric covers winds are forecasted to exceed a Category 1 hurricane of 74-95 MPH, 119-153 km/h.
Beach Goers at Lido Key Are Enjoying Shade This Summer
Temperatures are rising, but beach goers at Lido Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida don’t mind. They now have a new refuge from the sun and heat at the historic Lido Beach Concession Building where a beautiful new shade sail structure has been added for the enjoyment of all. Designed to maximize the amount of shade […]
Innovate Your Government, Public Parking Lots with Solar Protection and Clean Energy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, with less traffic on the highways, little to no planes in the air and industrial factories at a halt, scientists reported a notable difference in the amount of carbon emissions and air pollution circulating worldwide. Simply put, the air got cleaner. While the impact may be short term as the economy […]
Apollo Sunguard Makes It Easier for Governments to Add Shade, EV Charging
Apollo Sunguard has made it easier for governments to add shade and EV charging stations to their public spaces and facilities with GSA contracts, cooperative purchasing agreements and piggybacking. Why Apollo Sunguard? As a certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Apollo Sunguard specializes in state-of-the-art shade solutions. The Florida-based company’s shade canopies have been installed […]
Shade for Military and Government Facilities
There are many areas of military bases and government facilities that can be enhanced by adding shade structures. Shade is beneficial for the comfort and safety of personnel, family members and guests, for the protection and preservation of equipment and to support efforts to be more green and reduce energy consumption.
Shade Structures that Wow
Modern shade structures come in so many colors, styles and configurations that the options are virtually endless. And with custom designs possible, they truly can be almost anything you can imagine. So, one of the first questions to ask when choosing a shade structure is, do you want something subtle that blends in with the [...]
The Value of UV Protection on Playgrounds
Kids may have different criteria but ask any parent or caregiver and they’ll tell you that the best playgrounds are the ones with shade. Playground shade cover reduces exposure to UV rays and lowers dangerous surface temperatures, keeping children safe and comfortable while they play, and making the experience more enjoyable for parents and caregivers. […]
Upgrade Your Community with Shade
Enjoyable outdoor spaces are an essential part of a well-planned community. With durable and attractive shade structures from Apollo Sunguard, municipalities can improve the function and comfort of public areas such as schools, parks, recreation facilities, playgrounds, pool decks, picnic areas, courtyards, town squares, walkways, parking lots and bus stops. Cool and Comfortable Stylish shade […]
High Performance Shading for Sports Facilities
Apollo Sunguard Offers High Performance Shade for Sports Facilities Fans love to watch their favorite team and athletes compete, whether it’s on a field, a court, a course or a green. But sitting in the glaring sun for hours can keep even the most dedicated spectators away. During the summer months, athletic facilities can be […]
How Shade Can Help Slow Climate Change
There are no passengers on the Spaceship Earth. We are all crew. The quote, from philosopher Marshall McLuhan, may be truer today than ever given the threats facing the planet. One of them, urban heat island effect, may sound like something dreamed up by a super villain, but it’s a real phenomenon impacting countless communities […]
Powered & Protected: Shade & Your EV Charging Station
Electric Vehicles (EV) are continuing to gain popularity as drivers become more aware of their environmental benefits and cost-efficiency. According to an estimate calculated by the Edison Foundation’s Institute for Electric Innovation, there will be 18.7 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. As a ChargePoint Premier Partner, Apollo Sunguard has sold and distributed […]
Trees & Apollo Sunguard Perfect Pair for Parking Lots
The best way to fight climate change? Plant more trees, according to a Swiss study published last month in the journal Science. Trees catch heat-trapping carbon dioxide. They also provide much needed shade in a world that, according to NASA, is getting warmer. In fact, many cities have taken formal steps to promote the planting […]
Celebrate National Exercise with Your Child Week
Shaded Playgrounds Offer Ideal Exercise Spot Throughout the United States, communities will celebrate National Exercise with Your Child Week from Aug. 4 – 10. This nationally recognized week encourages parents and guardians to exercise with their children to help promote a healthier lifestyle. To celebrate, consider adding a shade structure to your local park or […]
Enhance Your Design: Visual & Function Benefits of Shade
Enhance Your Design: Visual and Function Benefits of Shade In any kind of architectural design, attention to detail is incredibly important. Every area of the design should be functional yet appealing to the eye. Though not always the focus of a project, outdoor spaces are an opportunity for design to stand out in both use […]
National Park & Rec Month: Benefits of Outdoor Play
This July, communities across the nation will celebrate National Park and Recreation Month. The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has announced that this year’s theme is “Game On!” to encourage families to spend more time outdoors in their local parks. According to a 2018 study by the NRPA, children today spend less time outdoors […]
Sustainable Architecture Principals Include Adding Shade
Today, the importance of sustainable design is more prevalent than ever. Negative human impact on the planet calls for creating modern architecture with more than just human desire in mind. According to Dartmouth Professor Jason F. McLennan, sustainable design “seeks to redefine how buildings are designed, built, and operated to be more responsible to the […]
Celebrate Arbor Day: Trees Benefit People and Economy
Throughout the United States, communities will recognize National Arbor Day on the last Friday in April. This nationally recognized holiday is a reminder to recognize the importance that trees play in our ecosystem. According to the U.S. Division of Forestry, trees foster healthier communities overall – including people, neighborhoods and the economy. The health benefits […]
Reasons Property Managers Should Install Shade
More people are going to be enjoying the outdoors as the winter temperatures warm, the trees return to green and spring flowers begin to sprout. Now is a good time for property managers to consider installing one of Apollo Sunguard’s attractive and functional shade structures in outdoor living spaces, such as courtyards, picnic areas, playgrounds […]
Landscape Architects, Consider Shade In Your Sketch
There is this old adage that some of the best project ideas were drawn first on a cocktail napkin. Maybe there is some truth to this. We do know that no one industry knows better than Landscape Architects that drawing plans is the beginning point to any great creation. And, when sketching your next project, […]
Sun Safety
Sun Safety Doctors and researchers agree that skin cancer can be dramatically reduced by effective preventive measures, however sometimes it’s hard to decide what the best preventative measures are. Sunscreen and protective clothing are an obvious choice. Staying out of the sun is the best way to stay protected from the harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays, […]
Sun Safety Part 2
Sun Safety Part 2 Last week, we talked about the importance of protecting oneself from Ultraviolet (UV) exposure and how applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing are beneficial to reducing UV exposure; shade is an extremely useful source in UV radiation (UVR) protection. Shade is another way a person can reduce exposure to UVR. The […]
Sun Safety Part 3
Sun Safety Part 3 In our last installment of Sun Safety, we will discuss why it is paramount to assess each situation individually, taking into account the position, the design and the surrounding environment to ensure that optimal shade is provided, prior to installing a shade structure. Design Elements Best Fit Strive for ultimate shade […]
2018 Sterling
Apollo Sunguard is a Finalist for the prestigious 2018 Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Award, presented by the Florida Sterling Council and FloridaMakes. Florida Sterling Council and FloridaMakes Announce Finalists for the Florida Sterling Manufacturing Business Excellence Awards Award Winners Announced at June 1st Sterling Awards Banquet in Orlando TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Sterling Council and […]