The Forest Park Aquatic Center in Forest Park, Illinois has recently undergone an exciting renovation and expansion, transforming its interactive spray park into a real-life Candyland adventure. With the addition of Water Odyssey-themed water park toys that resemble classic sugary treats, visitors are in for a sweet and whimsical experience.
Working in collaboration with Hitchcock Design Group, the Parks District of Forest Park has created a splash pad design inspired by the local candy manufacturer, Ferrara Candy Company. Known for their delicious non-chocolate confections like Pixie Sticks and Black Forest Gummy Bears, Ferrara Candy Company served as the muse for this one-of-a-kind water play area. Additionally, the city pays tribute to its beloved mascot, Bruce the Shark, with a specially designed Gummy Shark Fun Form.
As visitors explore the interactive spray park, they can follow the vibrant Candyland-themed Life Floor tiles, guiding them through different enchanting worlds. The "Candy Cane Lane" splash zone caters to toddlers and younger children, offering gentle arching showers and ground sprays adorned with custom peppermint candy deck plates.
For older children, a thrilling aquatic play area awaits in the "Curvy Cool Pixie Sticks" zone, featuring Gravity Shooters and providing a competitive space where they can engage in spray battles and interactive fun.
After discovering these two candy-themed play zones, visitors reach the centerpiece of the spray park: the "Candy Castle" water play structure. Here, surrounded by Water Odyssey water park toys, they can enjoy custom Gummy Bears Fun Forms, join Bruce the Gummy Shark for exciting adventures, experience the excitement of Big Buckets, navigate through a Mushroom Maze, and revel in various ground sprays.
