Factors affecting design
First, it is important to determine how the space will be used. Will it be used as a multi-venue facility for other events during the off season? Does cash flow or long-term plans dictate a phased project with some features being installed at a later date? What about water management and which primary system best suits the project requirements and budget? The answers to these questions can influence the approach to the aquatic play pad’s design and feature selection.
Phased projects
Over the last five years, more facilities have opted to use upright aquatic play features with removable flange bases to allow owners to prepare project sites before the arrival of the spray features, perform phased installations, as well as afford them the ability to swap components around on the play pad after installation is complete.
Removable flange bases may be ideal for some projects, as they can be installed and left open during the initial installation, making it easier to manage costs while still enabling a long-term vision for future additions to the facility. Some manufacturers offer a structural base with a removable ground spray cover, so there is still play value in the incomplete portion of the project.
“Removable bases are handy in the unlikely event a component needs to be replaced,” says Perkins. “They can also help streamline the installation process because they allow for an earlier deck pour, as long as the non-removable base embeds are on site.”
By utilizing this approach, contractors can complete 90 per cent of the job while the features are being manufactured and shipped. Once the features arrive on site, all that remains is some heavy lifting, fastening of the features, then turning the water on.
Water management
One of the most vital decisions to be made when designing any aquatic play pad is determining how water will be managed. Planners will need to consider budget, site conditions, local health codes, environmental mandates and long-term use of the facility. There are three primary water management options to consider and each comes with vastly different maintenance and capital costs.
- Potable drain-to-waste systems are a low-cost water management option for small spray parks with low water usage. Once water is sprayed from the features, the water is drained to storm sewer and is not re-used. Many municipalities, however, do not have the infrastructure or desire to cope with large volumes of water going into the storm sewer, which is why drain-to-waste parks traditionally are used in small park applications. Equipment costs for a drain-to-waste management system would be between $12,000 to $20,000 (excluding the controller), depending on the facility’s size.
- Retain-and-reuse systems are environmentally friendly alternatives capable of re-using the water from the aquatic play pad, but typically require additional disinfection prior to re-use, resulting in further expense. These systems use a potable water supply. Once water is sprayed from the features, it drains to a large collection tank via gravity before being pumped out for irrigation use in an adjacent sports field, etc. Many health departments require the water be filtered and chemically treated prior to re-use to avoid the spread of recreational water borne illnesses. Infrastructure costs for this type of water management system typically range between $40,000 to $150,000 depending on the water’s filtration and disinfection requirements. While this system is still relatively new in North America, it is important to note many jurisdictions have established health codes to which they must adhere.
- Water treatment systems have quickly become the most common water management system for aquatic play pads, as they provide the most efficient means of re-using water. This system pumps water from a large collection tank to the spray features. Once sprayed, the water drains back to the collection tank, via gravity, to be filtered and chemically treated prior to re-use in the park. This water management system is the best solution for larger parks, or areas with strict water policies, as many jurisdictions are mandating water circulation and have established health codes to which they must meet. The size and cost of a treated water system will vary depending on the spray park’s size, the number of features included and their relative flow rates. Infrastructure costs for these systems will range between $50,000 to $150,000 depending on park size, the use of UV (ultraviolet) disinfection and local health codes.
In addition to selecting the water management system, the type of enclosure for housing the equipment will also need to be determined. The enclosure should allow for adequate accessibility to perform routine maintenance. If a building is utilized, it should have forced-air ventilation, floor drainage, access to fresh water, etc. This mechanical area may also be used to house washrooms, irrigation or other components to the park’s operations, so the requirement for contractors and other trades should also be factored into the project’s planning.
