Splash pads and spray grounds are one of the few water features that show up not only in water parks, but also in municipal parks and even in private residences. Getting a spray ground to stand out against the competition can be tricky, but here are five simple ways to make guests' experience memorable for all the right reasons.
1. Delight Your Guests With Thematic Elements
The growth in popularity of spray grounds and splash pads in recent years has resulted in a much wider array of available products than ever before, which means park planners can let their imaginations soar when designing or redesigning a splash pad. One of the biggest ways parks can set themselves apart from the residential splash pad market is with careful theming.
Aquatic animals present a classic option, as do pirate and tiki designs, but they are by no means the only themed choices available. For example, Water Odyssey’s desert collection presents a clever take for an aquatic landscape and VORTEX’s Aqualiens adds an element of abstract whimsy to a play space; if there’s a tone patrons seem to be connecting with, there is almost certainly a design theme that will enhance their experience.
2. Make Sure You Have the Right Surface
There are plenty of options when it comes to what to put in a splash pad or spray ground, but two things are consistent across all parks: The surface is wet and guests are there to have fun. Choosing a surface that doesn’t get slippery and can absorb the impact of an inevitable tumble will help visitors remember your park as a favorite summer destination and as a great place to cool off.
Life Floor’s soft, slip-resistant tiles can reduce slips in wet areas and boast a critical fall height of 1ft to cushion any falls that do occur, which will keep kids and their parents happy and returning to the splash pad all summer long. Life Floor augments and improves any other improvements made park-wide by giving guests one less thing to worry about and complementing existing design choices.
3. Keep Them Busy
While it may be tempting to generalize and say that splash pad patrons are overwhelmingly children, the reality is, especially in urban environments, everyone loves the chance to beat the heat. Varying the heights of overhead features will create an eye-grabbing layout and give adult guests a chance to enjoy the play area whether they are just passing through or spending time in the area shepherding younger children.
Thankfully, plenty of options are available to give guests the experience they want without compromising the feel of the area. From thinner spray features to misters to cascading waves, the options for how much water rains down on guests, and look of the feature itself, is far more variable than it has ever been before, making splash pads and spray grounds appealing additions to any play space.
4. Have A Spot For Guests to Dry Off And Cool Down
The pad itself will be in bright sunshine all summer long -- or at least that’s the hope! -- but guests may want a shaded space to limit their UV exposure. A full picnic pavilion can be a nice addition, but space constraints often make these structures a poor fit. Cabanas can provide additional income if they’re rented out rather than simply first-come, first-served, but also take up enough space to be a difficult fit in some spaces.
Shade sails have become a popular and stylish option for providing shade without putting up a massive structure. There are more traditional solutions as well, from pool umbrellas, to solid cantilevered systems that can double as rain protection in a pinch. Whether space is an issue or not near the slide pad, there are now several strong options for providing guests some relief from the elements.
5. Make Your Splash Pad The Hottest Concert Venue In Town
For the splash pad that has everything under the sun, every new innovation, and every gadget and gizmo their guests could want, comes one of the most unique musical instruments ever created. The hydraulophone utilizes water flowing past a series of reeds to produce different tones, as illustrated in the video below:
Hydraulophones can be built by hand or purchased, but one thing is certain: Having one will set any spray ground or splash pad apart from the competition.
For more information how Life Floor improves any splash pad, spray ground, pool area, or any other wet play area, check out all the places Life Floor can go!