Adding inclusive features that are thrilling for all
When choosing play features in a renovation, it is also key to select products that provide experiences inclusive for all physical, developmental, or cognitive abilities. The arrangements of play features must ensure those with special needs have areas within a splash pad to participate.
“Splash parks and spray decks are the most inclusive recreational space you can plan that is not only suitable for all ages and abilities, but also answers to the needs of every member of the community,” says Robinson. “A two-year-old or 85-year-old user might only want a dusting of fresh water, while a nine-year-old or 49-year-old may want the thrill of a dumping bucket. Walking, rolling, or crawling, no matter how the user arrives at the destination, it’s important to have comfortable opportunities to play in the water.”
A variety of sensory experiences that build upon one another make the facility more inclusive for everyone. For example, designers can create a sequence of features, starting with sensory exploration with something as simple as a bubbler, and slowly increasing the intensity, which draw users into the splash pad. When done properly, this sequencing allows participants to try something more powerful, like an archway with spraying water, but they can quickly retreat to a less-forceful water feature. Moving from one zone to another allows users to explore the area at their own pace.
“One of our favourite go-to products are those that create a mushroom-like dome of water, which provides both a simple and attractive design for users of all ages and abilities,” says Anderson. “Kids can either play from outside the mushroom of water or sit under the dome of sprays, which creates a pleasing white noise and allows them to retreat into a world of their own.”
Robinson agrees and says, “splashing in water as a form of play is a universal experience and designers are responsible to consider everyone who might visit the spray park.”
Providing more than a play space
As with any community gathering space, having a visually striking feature on a pool or splash pad can provide excitement and interest for all users. Using a large climbing wall on a deep end pool, a themed slide in a kiddie pool, or an iconic water feature attraction within the splash pad are all important to aquatic facilities that want a ‘waterpark’ feel to attract patrons. Large buckets of water that anchor the splash pad add an element of attraction, even when the facility is not in use.
One of the more eye-catching options for splash pads are large rings that spray a mist. These are both attractive and can be easily integrated into a sequencing design for inclusive play. Having water splash, cascade, and bubble creates a series of soothing sounds, which invariably enhances the ambience.
It is also important to remember splash pads are more than water-play areas. By enhancing the overall visual esthetics, a splash pad can lend year-round appeal to a facility, even in the winter. Some clients, especially homeowners’ associations and residential developments, are very interested in adding lighting to their splash pads, changing their the colours several times a year. For instance, red and green can be used around the winter holidays.
“Water features with LED (light-emitting diode) lighting help promote the facility even when it isn’t open,” says Anderson. “There are many water and lighting elements that together create an exciting visual impact and even allow some facilities to extend their operating hours.”
While aquatic facilities are focused on welcoming patrons, there is no better time than now to explore renovation products that not only provide a visual impact, but also offer thrills for all ages and members of a family.
“Community splash pads should be inclusive, attractive, and unique,” says Robinson. “Lighting and sound can be continuously reprogrammed for different seasons and holidays (e.g. red lights for Canada Day).”
Programmed lighting gives an aquatic facility the ability to change or appear as if it has been renovated throughout the year, making it attractive to members of the community.
“As designers and developers, we are focused on creating spaces that offer inclusive play, as well as artistic inspiration,” says Robinson.
Creating spaces that complement existing elements in a community is trending in 2021.
“The intent to invest in a space that has a dual purpose is huge,” says Robinson. “Communities want a play space, as well as a form of art—especially in climates where these facilities only operate in the spring and summer. Effective use of budgets and spaces encourage designs to not only be visually pleasing, but also be functional and inclusive.”
These simple solutions can be customized to accommodate an aquatic facility’s budget, while also being easily integrated into the existing footprint and infrastructure to make the facility the talk of the town in 2021.
Chris Thomas is the director of marketing at Fountain People and Water Odyssey and has a decade of experience promoting the physical, mental, and social benefits of water features and aquatic play. His background in marketing and communication design allows him to identify market needs, contribute to the aquatic community through product development to enhance the guest experience, and discover design strategies that move child development forward. Thomas has contributed to various industry publications and collaborated with consultants and end-users to bring their vision to life. He can be reached via email at chris.thomas@fountainpeople.com.
