Cessnock City Council has received $23,000 to construct a shade sail measuring 15 by 12 metres over playground equipment.

“We have identified the need to provide shade at our playgrounds,” council’s recreation services manager Nicole Benson said.

“The project will provide visitors much-needed protection from ultra violet rays.”

The shade sail will cover the swing set, maypole, spring animals and provide partial shading to the rope climb and slide.

An audit by council staff identified Carmichael Park, a regional sporting facility catering for more than 15,000 people, was lacking in shade.

Usage of the park is also expected to increase significantly with 3500 homes proposed to be constructed within the adjacent Bellbird North Urban Release Area. 

Construction of the shade sail is expected to be completed by the end of year in time for the Christmas holidays.

The funding was provided by the Cancer Institute NSW Evidence to Practice Program.

These grants give communities the resources to implement vital initiatives to focus on groups at high risk of cancer.

Melanoma was the second most common cancer diagnosed in the Hunter between 2004 and 2008, according to the NSW Central Cancer Registry. 

During this period, there were 143 diagnosed cases of melanoma in the Cessnock local government area.