Splash pads are a fantastic addition to public parks, recreational spaces, and water parks, offering children and adults alike a fun and refreshing way to play in the water. However, creating a splash pad that is not only engaging but also safe and accessible for everyone is crucial for ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the space.

When designing a splash pad, there are several factors to consider, from water features to safety standards, and accessibility needs. Oasis Water Playgrounds, a leader in splash pad designs, offers expert insight into how to create an inclusive, enjoyable, and safe water play environment for all ages and abilities.

In this guide, we'll explore the key components of splash pad design and how to ensure the space is safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.

1. Designing with Accessibility in Mind

One of the most important aspects of splash pad design is ensuring it is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. When planning a splash pad, it's essential to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or equivalent accessibility standards in your region, to ensure that all visitors can use the facility comfortably.

Oasis Water Playgrounds offers a variety of inclusive design options to accommodate guests with mobility issues, visual impairments, or sensory sensitivities. Here are a few accessibility features to include:

a. Smooth and Slip-Resistant Surfaces

A splash pad should have smooth, non-slip surfaces to reduce the risk of slips and falls. The flooring should be made of durable, slip-resistant materials such as rubber, textured concrete, or poured-in-place rubber surfaces that provide a firm grip even when wet.

Additionally, it’s important to have clear, unobstructed pathways leading to the splash pad. Oasis Water Playgrounds recommends wide, flat pathways that can accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers, ensuring visitors with mobility challenges can navigate the area easily.

b. Accessible Water Features

Water features on a splash pad should be adjustable to accommodate a variety of abilities. Consider features like low-height fountains, gentle sprays, and ground-level water jets that allow children and adults with limited mobility to enjoy the water without the need to move around excessively.

You can also install sensory-friendly water features with visual, auditory, and tactile elements to cater to children with sensory processing disorders. These features can include water streams that flow at various speeds and heights, with adjustable controls for guests to customize their experience.

c. Shaded Areas

Shaded areas are crucial for providing relief from the sun, particularly for individuals who are sensitive to heat or who have certain medical conditions. Ensure that shaded seating and lounge areas are placed throughout the splash pad to give everyone a place to rest and enjoy the surroundings.

Oasis Water Playgrounds emphasizes the importance of adding overhead shade structures, such as canopies or pergolas, which offer protection from the sun without obstructing views or airflow.

2. Prioritize Safety for All Visitors

Safety is paramount when designing a splash pad. Whether it’s ensuring that the water features function properly or minimizing risks of accidents, a well-designed splash pad will take multiple safety factors into account.

a. Water Depth and Water Features

One of the defining aspects of splash pads is that they do not have deep pools, but water still flows from various features. Water depth should be shallow to minimize the risk of drowning. According to Oasis Water Playgrounds, the water should be no deeper than two to four inches in most areas to create a fun but safe environment.

Splash pads can have a combination of different water features, such as fountains, spray jets, and water tunnels. Each feature should have a gentle flow and be positioned to avoid causing accidents. Water features like water cannons or fountains with high-pressure water jets should be designed with safety barriers or clearly marked warning signs.

b. Drainage and Filtration Systems

Proper drainage is essential to maintaining a clean and safe environment for visitors. The splash pad should be designed with an efficient drainage system that directs water away from the play area to avoid standing water, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and cause slippery spots.

An efficient filtration system is also crucial for maintaining water quality. According to Oasis Water Playgrounds, splash pads should be equipped with automated systems that filter and circulate water regularly to ensure the water is clean, safe, and free from contaminants. The system should also be easy to maintain to ensure consistent hygiene.

c. Edge and Surface Design

The edges of the splash pad should be clearly marked and designed to prevent water from spilling over into unsafe areas. For example, the perimeter of the splash pad can feature raised barriers, soft curbs, or defined markings to keep the water confined to the splash pad area.

Avoid hard or sharp surfaces around the splash pad. Any surrounding seating or structures should be made of soft materials to reduce the chance of injury if someone falls or bumps into them.

d. Supervision and Signage

While splash pads are generally safe, it’s important to include signage that educates visitors about water safety, the features of the splash pad, and any potential risks. The signage should include rules such as no running or no diving, along with clear directions on how to use the water features safely.

For maximum safety, Oasis Water Playgrounds recommends having an on-site staff member or lifeguard if the splash pad is in a high-traffic area, though supervision is not always required for every location.

3. Incorporating Fun and Engaging Features

A splash pad should also be a fun, engaging environment that appeals to visitors of all ages. While safety and accessibility are priorities, splash pads should also be designed with excitement in mind. Here are some ways to make your splash pad enjoyable for everyone:

a. Interactive Water Features

To keep the experience exciting, Oasis Water Playgrounds encourages the inclusion of interactive water features like water cannons, spraying tunnels, and stepping stones that visitors can walk over or interact with. Interactive water features keep children engaged and active as they explore the splash pad and create their own fun.

b. Theming and Play Zones

Consider creating a splash pad with a specific theme, such as an ocean, jungle, or desert environment. Themed water features like animal-shaped fountains, colorful slides, and water tunnels add a playful touch. Additionally, dividing the splash pad into different play zones can create diverse experiences for visitors, from gentle spray areas for toddlers to more active water features for older children.

c. Customizable Experience

A great way to make the splash pad inclusive is to offer adjustable features. This can include settings for water pressure or height, which can cater to people with different preferences and abilities. Offering the option to control the water features lets visitors customize their water play experience for maximum enjoyment.

4. Maintenance and Long-Term Care

The durability and ease of maintenance are also important when creating a splash pad design. Opt for high-quality materials and durable water play equipment to reduce maintenance costs and ensure the splash pad remains functional and safe for years to come.

Oasis Water Playgrounds provides low-maintenance, long-lasting splash pad designs that can withstand heavy use and exposure to the elements. Routine cleaning and periodic checks for water quality, safety features, and equipment are necessary to maintain a safe environment.

Conclusion

Creating a safe and accessible splash pad design requires thoughtful planning and consideration of various factors, including safety, accessibility, and engagement for all visitors. By incorporating features that cater to different abilities, prioritizing safety, and offering engaging water elements, you can create a splash pad that everyone can enjoy. With the expertise of Oasis Water Playgrounds, you can design a splash pad that will provide lasting enjoyment for all ages and abilities, ensuring a fun and safe water experience for everyone who visits.