Mérida Makes a Splash With Our Largest Splash Pad Yet

Mérida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, is a city bustling with life, rich culture, and vibrant energy. Despite the many activities available in this beautiful city, one essential element was missing from the south end communities: a communal space where children of all ages and abilities could beat the heat in a safe, interactive, and inclusive aquatic environment. The Unidad Deportiva del Sur complex stood out as the perfect location to turn this dream into a reality; however, significant improvements were necessary to elevate this community hub.

In 2023, the Government of the State of Yucatán, in collaboration with the Governor, the design department of the Institute for the Development and Certification of the Physical Educational and Electrical Infrastructure of Yucatán, and Waterplay®, embarked on a mission to transform this space into a dynamic splash pad, jam-packed with high play value. Pulling out all the stops, Waterplay’s team of experts designed its largest splash pad yet, spanning an impressive 15,510 square feet and incorporating an incredible 51 water features and 91 ground sprays, all in one epic space.

With a variety of exhilarating water elements designed for everyone’s enjoyment, this vibrant aquatic space is set to become the ultimate community hub, providing families of Mérida with an unforgettable outdoor oasis for years to come.

The Challenge

Before its revitalization, the Unidad Deportiva del Sur complex faced numerous challenges, as the facility could no longer meet the community’s needs and expectations. This prompted the state government to remodel the existing space and introduce new, exciting attractions, such as a splash pad. The primary goal of this revitalization was to transform the space into a hub for community interaction and sports, including recreational aquatic activities. The intent was to positively impact the lives of the community by offering modern facilities and attractions that were previously beyond reach. One essential component of the project was the inclusion of an iconic Waterplay pirate ship Activity Tower with universal accessibility.

The Solution

Recognizing the client’s needs and tight timelines, as well as drawing from previous experience in the Latin American market, Waterplay teamed up with the Government of the State of Yucatán. Together, they developed a custom solution that aligned with their goals of providing a safe and enjoyable aquatic play area for children within the Unidad Deportiva del Sur complex. Leaning on its expert design and specification team, Waterplay developed two distinct concept options in just two days. The focus was on creating a safe, interactive, and inclusive splash pad area, complete with shade structures and water activities suitable for children of all ages and abilities.

The clients quickly embraced one of the designs and successfully pitched it to the mayor, who promptly gave the green light. The Waterplay team then drafted a comprehensive proposal outlining all the play opportunities, inclusive features, safety measures, and community benefits the project could offer. Given the tight timelines of the project, the clients made a trip to Waterplay’s head office in Kelowna, Canada, to collaborate in-person on the final design. The results were remarkable. Waterplay’s visualization team skillfully combined the client’s needs with best practices in play theory and inclusive design, delivering a cohesive design that incorporated an adventurous pirate theme, meticulously crafted to engage children in imaginative play, along with various high, medium, and low play zones throughout the space.

This project, much like many others Waterplay has worked on over the years, involved collaboration across all departments, tapping into the expertise of different team members across the company to create the perfect design. At the heart of the concept, the value promised to the community of Mérida was always top of mind. From low-impact features for younger children to more thrilling elements, every aspect was intended to enhance the overall experience.

The Implementation

Navigating tight timelines for delivery, Waterplay, in collaboration with its sister company, Wekid Manufacturing, quickly established an efficient project schedule. The production team successfully manufactured the splash pad features in record time. To meet the demands of such a large-scale project, custom manifolds were built for the water treatment system responsible for distributing water throughout the expansive space.

The installation of the project began in 2023 and was completed in the early months of 2024, with the splash pad ready to welcome visitors in March. To ease challenges associated with language barriers and technical requirements, Waterplay provided next-level customer service and sent a team of project support specialists to the site to assist with the installation. This dedicated support ensured a smooth transition from concept to reality.

This project marked a significant milestone for Waterplay, incorporating a remarkable 51 splash pad features and 91 ground sprays throughout the aquatic space—setting a new record as the company’s largest installation to date. The array of ground sprays ensures continuous splashing, while customized attractions like the pirate-themed Activity Tower and Mega Soaker deliver thrilling experiences for Waterplayers. Standing tall among the diverse features is the impressive 15-foot Titan Speedracer, a sea turtle loaded with multiple play points and water effects. The splash pad incorporated a modular design to guarantee simple future maintenance and updates. Thanks to Waterplay's playPHASE™ feature base systems, the modular fixtures make repairs and replacements easy for the splash pad’s lifetime.

While the focus was on creating exhilarating experiences, Waterplay also prioritized safety and inclusivity. A designated play area for little ones was included, featuring a Discovery Stream, Waterways Waterfall, and a double-lane Toddler Slide with a landing mat. This thoughtful design caters to all ages and abilities, incorporating features that encourage water exploration while promoting STEM learning through interactive play.

This project perfectly showcases Waterplay’s values of collaboration, innovation, and dedication to meeting the clients' needs. Despite inevitable challenges, the team remained proactive, always seeking the best solutions to advance the project. The commitment to excellence extended beyond the completion of this project, as the community's well-being and the transformative impact of the initiative remained top priority. Through the partnership with the client and Waterplay’s shared vision for positive change, not only was an amazing project realized, but a new sense of joy and belonging was brought to the community of Mérida.

The Outcome

The opening of the splash pad at the Unidad Deportiva del Sur complex has brought a new wave of fun and vitality to the community. As a free facility, it offers families across the region a chance to enjoy inclusive and exciting activities together. By following the seven principles of universal design throughout the project, Waterplay has ensured that the splash pad is not only entertaining but also supports children’s cognitive growth. The engaging features stimulate imagination, improve focus, and enhance problem-solving skills, making it a great place for both learning and play. The splash pad is also an excellent way to get everyone involved and moving, regardless of age or ability. Adults can rediscover their inner child and enjoy water-based fun right alongside their children. For many in the community, the splash pad represents a theme park-like experience, offering interactive play that anyone can enjoy.

This project is a fantastic example of what happens when innovative solutions and collaborative efforts come together to meet the needs of vulnerable communities. It's more than just a recreational facility; it's a symbol of the local government's commitment to positive change and community development. By focusing on inclusivity and following the universal design principles, Waterplay helped create a vibrant hub where people of all ages and abilities can come together to play, learn, and grow. This project highlights the amazing impact that collaboration can have, perfectly aligning with Waterplay's purpose of connecting communities globally through play and social experiences.

Project partners:

• Government of the State of Yucatán
• The design department of the Institute for the Development and Certification of the Physical Educational and Electrical Infrastructure of Yucatán