Splashlantis Splash Pad at Pleasant Park

In May 2024, Apex, North Carolina, made a big splash with the opening of Splashlantis at Pleasant Park—a thoughtfully designed splash pad that blends sustainability and innovation to create an inclusive space for the entire community to enjoy.

Pleasant Park’s 92-acre recreational area has it all—multipurpose sports fields, an enchanting forest, and now, a fantastic aquatic facility with the addition of the new splash pad. This vibrant space offers kids the perfect spot to cool off and have loads of splash filled fun. More than just a play area, the splash pad encourages playful interactions and supports cognitive growth, adding even more value to this beloved community space.

Splashlantis was thoughtfully designed to create an exciting and engaging play environment while also serving as a visually appealing attraction for visitors. The splash pad is divided into Waterplay’s three dynamic action zones: Development & Discovery, Exploration, and Adventure. Each zone is designed to captivate and engage Waterplayers of all ages, with a focus on the unique type of play each area inspires.

Upon entering the splash pad, Waterplayers are immediately drawn to the immersive Waterways Waterfall play system, where a world of discovery play awaits. This impressive feature offers nine interactive play points, each equipped with unique elements like finger weirs, water shaft weirs, and bucket wheels. These allow children to explore and manipulate the water's path in creative ways. With play points ranging from one foot to nearly five feet in height, the Waterfall play feature is thoughtfully designed to encourage inclusive collaboration, welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities to join in on the fun.

As you step into the exploration zone, you're greeted by an array of features, from ground spray tunnels to towering 11-foot Helices, all coming together to create a playful and curious environment. Interactive spray features and cannons line both sides of the park, inviting friendly competition and endless fun.

For the adventurous at heart, the Poly Palm Coco Soaker is the star attraction, drawing kids from all around to see what the splash is all about. Under its lively canopy, children take turns predicting when the bucket will tip, immersing themselves in creative and collaborative play as they eagerly await the next big splash.

Also found running through the play zones, a vibrant floor design that guides adventurous park-goers through the splash pad. With a bright blue wave underfoot, kids can playfully dash from one feature to the next increasing their fun on the pad. A design element like this inspires creative and imaginative play while perfectly complementing the water oasis aesthetic.

Splashlantis not only meets the needs of Pleasant Park and the Apex community but does so with a thoughtful, inclusive, and incredibly fun approach. The wave of positive feedback, including an enthusiastic comment from the son of one of the Waterplay experts involved in the project, who called him "the best dad" for bringing him to "work," highlights the park's impact on spreading joy and building lasting connections within the community.

Project partners:

• Great Southern Recreation