COLA Canopy®: Covered Outdoor Learning Areas.

Covered outdoor learning or sport, every day.

A covered outdoor learning area, or COLA, is a permanent canopy over a court, quad or play space that lets a school use it every day of the year, in rain and in sun. The COLA Canopy® is Shade Systems’ version: designed, engineered and built in New Zealand from structural steel, with a PVC tensile membrane roof that blocks harmful UV without shutting out the light, or a ZINCALUME® steel roof if you prefer.

One cover can span up to 2,500 square metres, and covers can be joined for larger areas, so a full netball or basketball court fits under a single roof. Walls, lighting, PA systems, seating, drainage and surfacing can be added. Shade Systems handles the design, council consent, manufacture and installation as one turn-key project, backed by a 25 year warranty on fabric and steel.

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waterproof canopy
New Zealand Made

What is a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA)?

Covered outdoor learning area is the term New Zealand schools and the Ministry of Education use for a roofed, open-sided space where classes, assemblies and sport can happen outdoors whatever the weather. Schools shorten it to COLA. The idea is simple: a court or courtyard that is unusable on wet days or too hot in summer becomes a space that is timetabled like any other room.

A COLA is different from shade sails or a small canopy in scale and in structure. It is engineered to span a full court with clear space underneath, it is waterproof rather than shade cloth, and it is built to last decades. Many schools also hire the space to clubs and community groups outside school hours. If you are weighing up a COLA against smaller options, the Shelter for Schools page compares the range.

Key features

  • Sun and rain protection. Heat resistant. 100% waterproof. Blocks over 99% of UV rays.

  • Product warranty: 25 years on fabric & steel. Structurally engineered. Combined with our expert workmanship for ultimate safety and longevity.

  • Lead time: 6 – 9 months. From confirmation of contract.

  • Council consent required. We take care of consent process.
  • Our largest weather protection product. Cover up to 2500 sqm with one cover, limitless sizes with multiple covers joined together.
  • High level of light transmission. From medium to high meaning no daytime lights required.

  • An extra revenue stream for your school or club. Rent the space to your community.

  • 100% turn-key solution. Let us take care of the design, council consents, manufacture, installation, maintenance and more with our experienced in-house, NZ-based team.

COLA Canopy® Canopies are perfect for…

  • Covered outdoor learning spaces at schools.
  • Covered outdoor sports such as tennis, netball, cricket, or lawn bowls.

  • Covered outdoor gathering spaces at parks, businesses, and more.

“What’s amazing about having this resource for our kids is that they use it 24/7. They can use it in the pouring rain, searin heat, and that’s going to be an amazing ability for them to be able to do sports in here.”

Iain Taylor, Principal
Manaurewa Intermediate School, Auckland, NZ

sports court shade

faq.

A COLA Canopy® can cover up to 2,500 m² under one continuous roof, with larger areas covered by connecting multiple structures. Each canopy is custom-designed to suit the site, whether that’s a single school court, multiple sports courts or a large covered outdoor learning area. Height and span requirements are determined during the design and engineering process.

Yes. COLA Canopies can be designed around existing courts, playgrounds and outdoor learning areas. Your design will consider available space, court dimensions, access, clearances and the intended activities. These can also be planned alongside new surfacing or facility improvements.

Yes, options include lighting, PA systems, seating and sports equipment. These features are particularly useful for schools and sports clubs wanting to use the covered facilities for assemblies, events or evening activities. We recommend discussing your requirements during the design stage so these can be incorporated into your project.

Yes, COLA Canopies can incorporate side walls and weather-protection screens. These can provide additional shelter of your area from wind-driven rain. We assess enclosure requirements alongside ventilation, access and your intended use of the space.

Drainage forms part of the overall canopy design. Depending on the roof layout, we can incorporate gutters, downpipes and suitable drainage connections to direct water away from the covered area. The final arrangement depends on the structure and the site’s existing drainage infrastructure.

Building consents are required for COLA Canopies and Shade Systems coordinates the consent process as part of our project delivery. The specific engineering and compliance documentation is determined by the structure size and local site conditions.

Project lead times are approximately 6–9 months from confirmation and signing of your contract. This includes the wider design, engineering, manufacture and installation of the complete structure. Final timeframes will be dependent on approvals and site conditions.

The standard product warranty for our COLA Canopies is 25-years. The applicable fabric warranty documentation outlines the terms, coverage and exclusions.