Why a tram shade structure?  Imagine that you're taking the kids to an amusment park.  You dock your SUV in a huge parking lot and shepard everbody to the tram waiting area to be ferried to the ticket office. 

The kids are excited.  Nothing is moving fast enough for them because they're anxious to get on the rides.  This tram will be the 1st ride of the day.

But, it's incredibly hot on the asphalt while you stand in line.   Now things aren't going fast enough for you too.

That why Six Flags/Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California engaged us.  They wanted guests to enjoy their visit from the moment they arrived in the parking lot. 

We designed and constructed a tram shade structure to keep visitors cool while awaiting their first ride of the day.  It is 75' long and 18' wide with (6) columns.  The tram shade structure has (2) hip roofs of tensioned fabric.  Its (3) beams are partially cantilevered so trams can pass beneath without hitting columns.  This enables visitors to be in the shade the entire time they wait in line and while while they board the tram.

By the way...it was interesting to work with the folks at Six Flags/Discovery Kingdom on this NorCal project.  They regularly deal with complex engineering, logistical, construction, and maintenance issues regarding roller coasters and other sophisticated equipment.   I developed a heightened respect for the challenges they face every day.