What should you know before installing a splash pad?
Deciding to build a splash pad requires many key considerations before ground is broken. From analyzing the cost, intended usage, to maintenance, detail-oriented decisions must be made to establish the vision of the park. During the initial stages of designing your park, our project coordinators will guide you through step by step tailoring your pad for your community.
Water Odyssey offers unique solutions from architectural spray features to highly-themed spray park equipment and filtration systems to bring compelling aquatic play experiences to your communities. We bring cutting edge technology to the design and manufacturing of aquatic play products providing you with the highest quality play equipment available. Splash pads bring inspiration to your community, however carefully consider the following elements for your next aquatic recreational park.
Brainstorm Budget
1. What is your budget? Determine your funding, as this will dictate the splash pad size and products available for installation.
2. How will your splash pad access water? Consider the installation, pumping equipment, and filtration needed for the pad. Choose between a flow-through system or a recirculation system, unless a recirculation system is required by city code.
3. Any restricting building codes in place? The budget must accommodate construction limits such as city and state codes, utility costs, and accessibility.
4. How will the pad be coated? Consider types of surfacing or finishes needed and their cost.
Water Odyssey recommends broom finished concrete.
Brainstorm Design
1. What is the intended usage, vision, and purpose for the splash pad? Review the goal of building the splash pad.
2. What age group is the aquatic playscape catering to? Age groups determine which water features are available for installation.
3. Will the pad be customized and/or have a theme ? Custom community hallmarks can be manufactured and incorporated within the splash pad.
4. Any design limitations? Consider restriction effects such as budget, utilities available, location and topography, and size accommodations within the community while designing.
BRAINSTORM DESIGN ACCESSIBILITY, PLANNING FOR INCLUSION
1. By nature, due to their design, splash parks are inclusive and follow ADA guidelines. The layout, placement of features, along with access to the water play area must be accessible to all ages and abilities.
2. Despite design inclusivity, where will it be located? Ensure the park area and amenities are accessible to all ages and abilities.
3. Will the splash pad be designed for multi-seasonal use? Consider the use of the pad in the winter months and effects on mobility.
Check out U.S. Dept of Justice Requirement for existing facilities Title II and Title III and U.S. Access Board for 2010 Accessibility Standards
BRAINSTORM AMENITIES
1. Will signage be added to the splash pad? Sponsors, park hours, and rules are popular postings.
2. Will vandalism resistant features be added/built with the implementation of a splash pad? Determine if fences or locks should be enforced after hours.
3. Will lightning detection systems be added as a safety feature? Consult the goal of the splash pad within the community and budget.
4. Will additional park amenities be added such as restrooms, shade structures, seating area, lighting or trash receptacles? Additional amenities around the pad boost community involvement and attraction.
