A lot of facilities are not only removing their kiddie pools, but they are also increasing the footprint of their play area and adding much larger splash pads. If a facility is able to add a splash pad area of around 185.8 m2 (2000 sf), they can then fence it and open the area even before it is time for the larger pool to open. This is a huge benefit, as it extends the season for the facility and does not limit its operation based on the availability of lifeguards. Larger splash pads also bring more interest, with the pool adding new features to their facilities so more patrons can enjoy the water.
Offering versatility for equipment upgrades
As with any community gathering space, creating a visually striking splash pad can provide excitement and interest for all users. Oftentimes, using a large, iconic water feature piece within the splash pad is important. Large buckets of water to anchor the splash pad add an element of attraction, even when the facility is not in use. Just watching the water flow—even from a distance—adds to the excitement. One of the more eye-catching options for splash pads are large rings which spray mist. These are both attractive and 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 serve more than mere water play areas. By employing strategies to enhance 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 and changing their colours several times a year. For example, red and green can be used around the winter holidays.
Unlike kiddie pools, a lot of splash pad features are easy to replace using the same or existing pipes and feeds. Splash pads offer a lot of versatility, as it is fairly easy to give a splash pad a quick update with a new spray feature. In fact, interactive water features can be swapped out and updated, and play equipment like small aquatic slides can easily be added as well.
Streamlining safety and maintenance
For both kiddie pools and splash pads, maintenance procedures are pretty much the same. There might be a little more winterization in a splash pad, as there are often more pipes involved with more water features, but this is not a major difference.
In terms of water treatment, most kiddie pools are either recirculation or flow through and when replacing the kiddie pool with a splash pad, the maintenance is the same and the system can either remain the same or can be upgraded. Recirculation of water with a water treatment system is common for splash pads. Additionally, they use a much smaller amount of water, which means less of a need for chemical treatment. This reduction in chemical usage also lowers operational costs.
Splash pads are also being installed for safety reasons. Parents can feel more at ease having a smaller child play in a splash pad compared to a kiddie pool, because there is no standing water. As mentioned previously, they are also attractive to facilities because they do not need to be monitored by a lifeguard.
Conclusion
A splash pad play area can become a gathering place for people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds to relax and connect through the joy of water. Not only does the naturally inclusive landscape offer a fun adventure for a community, but adding more features also gives patrons more immersive activities and satisfies their unique physical and cognitive needs. A simple but powerful space, an inclusive aquatic facility offers a glimpse of the larger picture of universal well-being and connectivity.
Author
Sue Koch is the regional sales representative for Water Odyssey, as well as the owner of Products4Parks in Chicago, Ill. Koch holds a bachelor of science from the University of Iowa and has more than 17 years of industry experience working with park districts, schools, landscape architects, aquatic designers, and municipalities. assisting with the co-ordination and planning of spray park design and layout, safety, construction, budgeting, and after-sale support. She can be reached at sue@products4parks.com
