Customize Shelters for Your Site

Parks provide a natural setting for families and friends to gather and have some fun or just relax and enjoy the view. To make the view even better, many parks add customized shelters and other structures that turn park sites into visually stunning destinations for the whole community.

Q: We are looking to improve the aesthetics and usage of our park by adding shelters. What should we look for?

A: Before you begin, think about what kinds of designs will best fit into the context of your park. The environment and surroundings should have an impact on any shelter or structure you choose. For example, if your park is located in a wild desert landscape, you'll be looking for different design options than you might consider for a more formal downtown park.

Whatever you decide regarding the aesthetic of your site, you'll be able to find a tremendous range of premanufactured shelters, gazebos, pavilions, kiosks and other structures that will blend perfectly into that context. Be sure to discuss your wants and needs with your manufacturer, and ask about how the prevailing climate in your area, whether dry desert heat, heavy snow loads or salt air near the ocean, might affect your decision.

Q: We want our park to be a unique destination in our community. How can we use premanufactured shelters to get a look that is specific to our site?

A: Talk to your manufacturer about the various customization options available. You might be surprised by how simple it is to add custom-designed elements that will make your park and its shelters truly stand out. Masonry or stonework might be added to create a formal look, and custom-designed ornamentation can be used to call out some unique aspect of the local culture or environment.

If your shelters are likely to be used after nightfall, or if you are considering renting them out for events like family reunions or weddings, consider adding power and lights. Solar packages are available that make it simple to add power even where there are no electrical connections nearby.