Beat the Heat: Unique Concepts for Splash Pads in Urban Centres
Temperatures are on the rise around the globe, which means more and more people are looking for ways to beat the heat and stay cool during those hot summer months. Cities and municipalities are on the lookout for unique cooling zones that are not only fun for the whole family but also provide relief from the sun and sometimes scorching temperatures. Splash pads provide just that! They offer fun, accessible, splashy spaces that engage kids in different types of play, becoming community hubs while also acting as cooling zones.
Installing splash pads within a small space can come with challenges, but utilizing unique concepts and designs is a great way to maximize the impact of a splash pad in an urban centre.
FUN BUiLDS: Small but mighty
Small play spaces can still pack a punch! Choosing splash pad features that are either geared towards small spaces or are multi-functional is a great way to make the most of a small area and maximize play value. Features such as ground sprays can create a variety of different spray effects while taking up very little space. Freestanding play features like the Misty Twisty are dual purpose – part puzzle and part splash! Choosing features that can double as both play spaces and cooling zones creates thrilling, engaging community hubs that can make a huge impact!
For spaces that may not be able to handle a full splash pad setup, Waterplay’s urban features are a great alternative. They help add visual interest to spaces while also introducing water features, creating stunning urban oases for everyone to enjoy! The Boardwalk in Waterloo, ON did just that, opting to incorporate a “splash circle” that created a stunning social hub at the heart of the shopping centre.
Making smart and sustainable choices
In urban centres that are focused on sustainability, there are several different ways to tackle a splash pad design to minimize water waste. When it comes to water conservation, Waterplay offers water treatment systems that maintain water quality while continuously recycling it to and from the play space. They provide filtration and disinfection, helping to conserve local water resources and minimize the environmental impact while keeping operating costs minimal.
Choosing water features that are low-flow is another great way to address sustainability on a splash pad. Many of Waterplay’s Play Pals features are low-flow, including Dolphin, Flutterby, and Kangaroo. Designing a splash pad to have multiple play zones is another great way to keep sustainability in focus, as Waterplay’s Eco Activator works as an integrated controller, manifold and activator all-in-one. They can also be synced to specific clusters of features, which allows splash pad users to activate specific areas of the splash pad that are in use, without turning on all of the water. This helps minimize water consumption.
Fun for the entire community
When designing fun splash pads for urban centres, it is important to remember that they will become social hubs for the entire community. Encourage everyone who visits to have fun by telling a story with your splash pad’s design. Waterplay’s wide range of features and collections provide loads of great ways to customize a splash pad to your specific city or community. The Royal Giants Park splash pad in Salisbury, NC, USA did just this, utilizing a custom baseball theme to honour the heritage of the park itself. In total, the splash pad contains over 25 baseball-themed spray features.
Customizations do not have to be limited to daytime features either! Waterplay’s Glow Effects and Luminary Sprays are compatible with a variety of spray nozzle types, and give urban centres the ability to transform a splash pad into a stunning, LED-lit water feature once the sun goes down. With programmable sequencing, they can transform an otherwise quiet space into a dazzling, illuminated water show for everyone to enjoy. Millenia Stylus Park in Chula Vista, CA did just this and their splash pad lights up the night!
Funding = fun!
Getting a unique splash pad project off the ground can be challenging, especially in urban centres where different zoning and building restrictions can become costly and require unique designs. But it can be done! Many municipalities partner with local businesses and sponsors to help fundraise for a splash pad and generate excitement within the community. Waterplay can help bolster fundraising efforts by providing 3D renderings of proposed designs and water features to provide visuals to help generate interest and community involvement. Many municipal splash pad projects can utilize government grants and bursaries to help with funding as well.
Starting early and getting people excited is key! The more people you have talking about your splash pad and spreading the word, the better. When thinking about what exactly you’d like for your own community’s splash pad, take inspiration from other municipalities. See what they did to get people excited, and what unique features and designs you can leverage to start getting your community invested.