City Park Splash Pad

Project Details

The City of Commerce is a tight-knit community full of active families situated in Northern Texas. After years of use, the beloved neighbourhood pool had to be closed due to age and maintenance issues. This prompted the city to take action and bring a brand-new aquatic facility to the community, reimaginging the space into a colourful, zero-depth splash pad with a stunning three-ring design featuring age-appropriate play zones. Water features suitable for different ages and abilities were thoughtfully placed throughout the space to encourage fun and interactivity for everyone looking to stay cool in Commerce.

This exciting new addition to the city’s recreation facilities was installed in early 2023, with the grand opening happening right before the summer season. Families and friends eagerly packed the splash pad, ready to make both big and small splashes at this vibrantly inclusive community hub.

The Challenge

With the closure of the old neighbourhood pool years prior, the community was in serious need of a fun and safe place for families to safely enjoy the Texas heat. An inclusive space with engaging activities for all ages and accessibility for everyone was essential for this splash pad. The client’s vision was to incorporate water features that complemented the surrounding neighbourhood while also introducing a vibrant pop of colour to attract families from across the city. Other essential needs included the strategic placement of shade in and around the splash pad area to protect visitors from the heat, as well as a dry, central space with good sightlines for parents to watch their children play.

The Solution

Collaborating closely with the client and adhering to the seven principles of universal design theory, Waterplay’s expert design and specification team worked through several design iterations with various features before landing on the perfect choice for City Park. Drawing inspiration from a Venn diagram, the splash pad was conceptualized to include three distinct, spaced-out play zones, with sidewalks connecting it from all directions to a central dry space to provide parents optimal sightlines to watch their children play and explore. Providing a visual of the entire site layout early in the project offered the client an all-inclusive view of the space and insight on where amenities would be installed, including the placement of sidewalks, shade, and water features.

While shading elements were not provided by Waterplay, the design phase helped to position them properly throughout the site, ensuring coverage of appropriate sections and avoiding the placement of shade footings where splash pad plumbing would run. 

By thoroughly understanding the client's needs, the Waterplay team successfully found a seriously fun solution for this lively community.

The Implementation

At this stage of the project, Waterplay was on standby to provide any necessary support needed by the client. The splash pad features promptly made their way through the Wekid Manufacturing shop floor, Waterplay’s sister company. From welding and polishing to powder coating and final assembly, the water features were ready to make a big splash down in Texas.

Installed in spring of 2023, the space was transformed into an architectural marvel with its three-ring, nature-inspired design, eye-catching colour pops, and thrilling atmosphere, attracting residents from across the city to experience a new sense of fun and excitement. The focus of this project was to create a splash pad with three different spaced-out aquatic zones, each offering unique play value to all users. The team at Waterplay knows the importance of creating spaces where developing minds and bodies have the freedom necessary to test their abilities in a safe way.  Waterplay’s three action zones are meant to inspire, embolden, and energize Waterplayers, letting them choose their own adventures and distinguish their own boundaries.

Development & Discovery Zone

A space meant for thoughtful and contemplative play that moves at a mindful pace. Throughout this play zone at City Park, you will find tall water features from the Grasslands Collection that replicate the beauty of nature, with a bright yellow flower, gentle raining leaves, and a colourful dragonfly and butterfly that produce soft water effects. Surrounded by Lily Pads with custom graphics, Surf Stones, and Puddles, this area creates a relaxing play experience.

Exploration Zone

Play, dump, and splash – this zone is designed for little Waterplayers and their developing, curious minds. Serving as a stepping stone between the discovery and adventure areas, you’ll find lower-flowing features that stimulate thinking and discovery with smaller, more subtle splashes. City Park has incorporated a variety of features perfect for this zone, from a Waterways Waterfall cascading water through playful, interactive weirs, to Fox Fellows that offer 360° rotation sprays, along with various other small features that encourage water fun and exploration. You’ll also notice the Aqualume Soaker in this space. As a taller feature, it provides dynamic spills and splashes, gradually preparing little ones for more exhilarating play features as they grow.

Adventure Zone

Offering more exhilarating features, this zone is designed to create big splashes and non-stop activity. This fast-paced play area not only encourages quick thinking and promotes physical movement but also energizes the senses and creates excitement for older Waterplayers. City Park’s splash pad includes an extremely fun, nature-inspired Activity Tower equipped with a bright red slide and safety landing mat in its adventure zone. Connected water features provide playful sprays and splashes that encourage high energy and continuous excitement throughout this adventurous tower, adding to the fun and thrill of this play area.

Within each zone, you’ll find Waterplay Sprout activators, on-demand button activators designed to optimize water use and maximize play value. Play features throughout each individual zone will come alive at the touch of a button and provide the perfect solution for reducing water consumption while other areas are unoccupied. While creating this magnificent splash pad, safety was always top of mind. From the splash pad features and sidewalk layout to seating placements with clear sightlines and fencing that surrounds the entire park, Waterplay and its partners consistently deliver best practices to ensure everyone’s safety.

The Outcome

From a neighbourhood space desperately in need of some attention to a community longing for a safe and inclusive place to cool down from the heat, this architectural beauty has checked all the boxes. City Park has come together perfectly and has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities. With play zones designed to offer aquatic fun for all while at the same time enhancing developmental and cognitive skills, this splash pad creates a lasting positive impact on the community of Commerce.

This transformation has not only revitalized the community's spirit but also provided a safe, fun, and engaging environment for families to enjoy completely free of charge. The new splash pad allows for water play experiences that cater to everyone, from toddlers exploring gentle water sprays to older kids taking on the more dynamic and adventurous water features. It has quickly become a popular spot where laughter and excitement fill the air, and where children can develop essential social and cognitive skills while playing. The City of Commerce has done an amazing job at providing its residents with a vibrant, fun-filled aquatic space for everyone to enjoy.

Project partners:

• City of Commerce

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