LEWISTON — A $2,000 state health grant will help build sun shades at the Kennedy Park and other recreation sites.

The city’s Recreation Department has been awarded a grant by the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program. The city plans to use that money to purchase eight canopies designed to block 98 percent of UV rays.

Three large canopies, 10 feet by 27 feet, will be placed around the Kennedy Park pool, splash and camp area.

Five smaller canopies, measuring 10 feet by 12 feet, will be placed at the city’s sports fields, including the city’s tennis courts and lacrosse fields and tracks.

All Maine recreation departments were eligible to apply for a mini-grant with the goal of reducing the overall UV exposure among youth participating in their respective recreational activities and athletics, according to a written statement from the city.

“We are very grateful to the Maine Center for Disease Control for enabling us to provide another layer of safety both this summer and now for years to come,” said Recreation Director Maggie Chisholm.