Collaborative play gives children confidence and promotes teamwork, which is an essential part of social development. Multi-user play features, particularly those that encourage kids to work together to achieve a specific result, are conducive to collaborative play. Some examples are spray cannons or team ground sprays, which erupt in larger bursts of water as kids work together to cover the nozzles.
Resources to keep the fun flowing
To support these fundamentals and the design for the Prairie Winds Park splash pad, the builder required a hydraulic system that would also satisfy the city’s request for a water-wise, energy-efficient splash pad. As a result, a water treatment system was selected that conserves 90 per cent of the splash pad’s water through recirculation that is otherwise lost in a traditional potable park.
The water treatment system was designed for the maximum flow of the components requested, while recommendations were provided for water spray feature line sizing based on the builder’s flow and pressure requirements. As a result, the water management system will help to ensure the city’s splash pad grows with the community over the years.
The end result
By using this multi-faceted design process, a versatile splash pad can be designed and built that caters to the needs, interests, and developmental stages of the end users, encouraging repeat visits and offering something for all members of the community, regardless of age or ability. The design decisions made for the Prairie Winds Park splash pad paved the way for a successful project. The final result was a beautiful park that brings the local community closer together through the joys of water.
Shanley Hutchinson is communications manager for Waterplay Solutions Corp. As part of the company’s management team, Hutchinson assists in product design and development. Her technical background allows her to approach product concepts from a practical perspective, lending insight into how they can best function for their users. She can be reached via e-mail at shanley.hutchinson@waterplay.com.
