Picnic Shelters & Structures

What is a gazebo, anyway? It’s a freestanding, open-air garden structure that is often hexagonal or octagonal in shape, covered by a roof. They can be constructed of different materials, but the sturdiest commercial gazebos are made with steel. Built-in seating is typically included inside, and there are often railings or latticework around the outside faces of the gazebo. Depending on your location and regional culture, gazebos can also be known as pagodas, pavilions, pergolas, rotundas, or tea houses.

What can you do with a gazebo? Here are just a few possible gazebo applications:

• Garden shade area
• Site for a wedding ceremony
• Host a party or family gathering
• Use in conjunction with a neighborhood cookout

At Carolina Recreation & Design, we have a wide range of gazebo designs, shapes, and sizes for you to choose from.

Like a gazebo, an arbor is another freestanding outdoor specialty structure, but an arbor is somewhat different in design and function. An arbor is a curved or square-cornered feature that is often used as an entrance or gateway to a particular outdoor area, such as a park or playground. Some arbors even have an actual gate included, and they create a small tunnel or overhang effect for shading a garden gate, bench, or path entryway. Many people choose to include climbing plants on the frame to create a true “living” arbor, but plants don’t necessarily have to be a part of your arbor layout. An arbor can be designed to provide full, partial, or essentially no shade, depending upon your preferences. Carolina Recreation & Design can provide for all of your arbor needs!

A pergola is a great structural feature which offers shade for a walkway, passageway, or sitting area. Pergolas and arbors are sometimes confused since both can include various plant or vine features, but a pergola is usually larger and has more of a rectangular design. Pergolas are supported by posts, and they can be built with either a solid, perforated metal, or open slats roof. Pergolas make great standalone features to add accent and shade around pools, parks, and courtyards. Pergolas can be constructed as freestanding, or they can be attached to buildings and structures. In addition to their garden applications, pergolas can also be placed on patios, decks, or wherever else you deem appropriate. And the team at Carolina Recreation & Design can take care of all of your pergola needs!

Need some dugouts for your baseball or softball field? Or how about a shelter large enough to provide shade and cover for your bleacher seats? Whether your field has bleachers that seat 50 or 5000, we offer durable athletic bleacher shelters to meet your needs. In fact, we offer a wide range of simple slope structures (also known as monoslopes) that can be used in a variety of outdoor settings, both public and private. Just let us know what you need, and Carolina Recreation & Design is sure to be able to provide you with a solution!

Amphitheaters are perfect for hosting a performer in the park! Amphitheaters come in many popular shapes and sizes, and Carolina Recreation & Design provide you with a modern amphitheater or band shell facility that looks great AND is built to last!  We also consult with sound engineers to ensure that we have the right attachments for trusses and cranes required to attract the big-name bands.

Looking to create a space for hosting outdoor concerts and events? Carolina Recreation and Design has many popular design options to offer for your perfect outdoor covered shelter. We can provide band shells in a smaller, simple gazebo-type style, and we can also provide larger amphitheater-style facilities. Plus, we can finish your band shell or amphitheater any way you like, including steel framing, ironwork, woodwork, brick, or stonework. We can even wire them for lights and electrical outlets, and we can prepare the foundation however you prefer.