May 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 13

an ornamental piece. When paired
with lighting, these facilities can be
engaging features for both day and
night.
Spray features mounted flush
with the ground surface can be
used by any age group or ability,
and are quite popular with children
younger than 5 years old. They can
individually play at each nozzle
or collaboratively play by running
through them with friends, stand
on nozzles to push the flow higher
on another feature.
Above-ground features are exciting
for kids of all abilities. Five- to
12-year-olds typically enjoy the
thrill of having water dumped or
poured on them, and the sizes of the
features can range from small singular
use to larger multi-bucket drops.
Water tables also are becoming
more popular as an added splashpad
feature. These are gradually
sloped tables with shallow sides
that have a pump or activator at the
highest end. Children start the flow
and can then introduce objects like
sticks, leaves and sand to the table
surface. In addition, these features
can include water gates, weirs and
dams that allow kids to interact
with the water and learn about hydraulic
principles and mechanics.
Activation bollards are either hydraulic
or electronic buttons that
initiate the flow of water on splash
pads and can act as a play feature
themselves. More sophisticated
electronic systems offer the ability
to program sequencing of spray
events, variable timing and intensity
of specific features.
Proceed With Caution
Wet kids and bare feet don't always
mix with nearby dry-play features,
so care must be taken in the overall
design and context. Systems should
be created that limit the amount of
running to prevent abrupt movements,
others.
Slip-resistant
surfaces are essential.
Epoxy painting and coating
systems
with sand can provide
slip-resistant surfaces. Soft surfaces
need to be impervious to prevent
microbial growth.
Any dry decking must extend
beyond the typical five-foot " splash
zone " further than the required
five feet of play zone because wind
movements expand the footprint
by spraying water outside of the
pad itself. Durable plantings and
limited mulch surfaces will help reduce
maintenance. Increased hard
surfacing around the splash pad
also helps reduce mud and debris
tracking onto the pad.
Splash pads can be a popular
slipping or crashing into
alternative to pools or represent a
fun and safe complement to them.
With their lower capital costs, reduced
O&M requirements and
flexible water use in areas with little
water to spare, they can fit into
most communities' budgets and
don't create great strains on overstressed
water supplies. They can
be built more quickly than pools,
offer a wide variety of design features,
and be enjoyed by users of all
ages and abilities.
Cheri Ruane, FASLA, is a Vice President and Design
Discipline Lead at Weston & Sampson's Design Studio
(ruanec@wseinc.com). Mark Mariano, P.E., CPO, is a Senior
Project Manager in Weston & Sampson's Aquatics Group
(marianom@wseinc.com).
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PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G | MAY 2 0 2 3
| Parks & Recreation
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May 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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