Treasure Island city commissioners have rejected a proposal to install a shade structure at Rosselli Park playground for the third time, leaving the site without adequate sun protection ahead of summer. The decision follows the loss of a large shade-providing tree during recent hurricanes in 2024, significantly reducing coverage across the play area.
The playground, the city’s only all-abilities facility, currently relies on 2 stand-alone stingray shade structures that provide very limited shade. A community member noted that the existing shade “does nothing,” with key equipment such as the slide exposed to direct sun throughout the day. Concerns were also raised about material degradation due to the lack of shade, with rubber climbing elements reportedly drying out and exposing rusty braided metal.
Recreation officials presented multiple design options, including full-coverage structures, but all proposals were declined due to cost concerns and competing funding priorities. Some community members cited the need to prioritise critical infrastructure, such as deteriorating seawalls and sinkholes, which were described as immediate health risks affecting hundreds of residents.
Despite this, community feedback strongly emphasised the importance of shade as a health and safety measure, particularly during periods of high heat, highlighting ongoing concerns about user safety and accessibility at the site.
