The Point Pleasant Primary School in West Virginia wanted to provide more shade for students on the playground. The local Junior Woman's Club used a grant to fund the construction of a multi-purpose shaded picnic area. They chose a steel carport kit that could be assembled quickly. Volunteers from the school's maintenance department constructed the carport in one day. It provides sturdy shade and shelter for outdoor activities while requiring no maintenance. The carport has been well-received by students and staff.

1. Their Futures are so Bright that They Needed Some Shade
Members of the parent-teacher organization for Point
Pleasant Primary School in Leon, WV understood the
benefits of outdoor play for children, but an element of
that had them worried—the sun.
As the children swung, slid, and climbed in the fresh air
surrounding the school’s playground each day, there
was no place for them to retreat from the sun’s rays.
While not a problem during the winter, there are those
months when shade becomes a necessity, and the Point
Pleasant Junior Woman's Club heeded the call to
provide it.
Earlier this year, the club, which is a service organization run by volunteers who support the
community by funding projects, allocated grant money to the school to build a multi-purpose
shaded picnic area on the playground where the kids and teachers could seek respite from the
elements while remaining outdoors.
“I wanted something sturdy that would last for a long time,” says Dana Richardson, a member of
the woman’s club who was involved in the project. “I wanted a steel carport.”
While searching the Internet, Richardson happened upon a company based in Virginia Beach,
VA that manufactures and sells Steel Buildings metal carport kits. “I really liked the design, and
it looked like it could be used as a picnic shelter and an area for additional classroom activities
like science projects,” says Richardson.
The carport features a unique clear-span, single radius, low-profile arched structure that is
supported by a 14 gauge beams and posts system, which allows it to withstand any weather
condition and makes construction a breeze. Members of the board of education’s maintenance
department assembled and raised the posts, beams, and panels to complete the construction of
carport without a contractor in one day.
“We utilize the technological advancements of our buildings translated into a carport structure,”
says Michelle Wickum, marketing director for SteelMaster Buildings, which manufactured the
school’s carport. “You don’t have to treat it, paint it, or maintain it—you just enjoy it. The
Galvalume Plus coating provides years of maintenance-free use.”
While traditional applications for such a structure include carport garages, truck covers, RV and
tractor coverage, and farm equipment protection, it can be used for a variety of custom
applications including bus stops, tram covers, smoke shacks, metal walkway, and boat lifts. But
for the kids attending Point Pleasant Primary School, it provided a place for fun out of the sun.

2. “Now that the carport is up and in use, I wouldn’t do anything differently if I had to do it over
again,” says Richardson. “Everyone is so excited to have this addition to the playground.”
- Author Brenda H. Welch
View Source : SteelMastarUsa – Steel Buildings