In 2023, we hosted our fourth annual Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest to award two deserving organizations in the United States an all-expenses-paid splash pad surface. One award was for a facility that exemplified inclusive design principles and the other was need-based for a deserving community that met specific benchmark criteria.
We received an incredible number of thoughtful applications and out of so many deserving entries, one of the entries we received stood out.
Today, we’re proud to showcase the Need-Based Award winner’s installation: John Anderson Park Splash Pad in Grandview, Missouri.
When asked what winning this grant would mean to their community, Jared Elbert said,
“This would mean so much to the community. Grandview, MO, part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, is a minority majority community with a population of nearly 27,000. This is a very strong, tight knit community that is growing but also one with challenges. The median income of Grandview is $48,000/year which means free amenities such as splash pads and playgrounds are of upmost importance. John Anderson park and its splash pad are crucial to youths access to free and safe recreation opportunities.
It can be challenging to maintain the original excitement of a 14 year old splash park. In winning this grant it would allow the community to enhance safety, aesthetics, and bring excitement back to Grandview’s only free splash park. It would increase the quality of life for residents, mean the world to the neighborhoods within walking distance, as well as the community and visitors. ”
Before: Broom Finish Stained Concrete
After: Life Floor
“ It would significantly upgrade the safety of the site for guest by switching from concrete to the safer Life Floor, while also reducing liability concerns from a staff perspective. Guests will have a greater piece of mind when allowing their children to utilize the splash park and socialize. It would enhance the beautification and experience by bringing eye catching color and patterns to the park. ”
Existing Waterplay spray features from their High Seas Collection laid the groundwork for this immersive experience complete with a sailing ship, whale tail, and palm tree. Four sound sprays are interspersed throughout the amenity where children can activate and listen to different sounds including a whale, dolphin, penguin and seagull. Dynamic ground sprays encourage motion throughout the entire area and our tiles now weave between their features with a treasure hunt surface game designed to excite and inspire imagination.
Our 2023 entrants chose from 6 pre-designed themes that would be tailored to fit their project scope. The city of Grandview chose the Treasure Hunt option which features a bright triangle gradient Pattern in a custom color palette of Bluebird, Turquoise, Seafoam, and Mojave. A mix of Sea Life, Marine, and Treasure Hunt Inlays can be seen across the splash pad in both neutral and complementing colors.
Designed and Copyrighted by Life Floor Studio.
We can’t wait to hear the stories of how this project will continue to uplift and transform the way families play at John Anderson Park in Grandview, Missouri. Thank you to the city of Grandview for entering our contest and for trusting us to surface your community’s splash pad!
Keep an eye out for our project showcase highlighting our Inclusive Design Award winner coming soon!
About the Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest
The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest is one of our team’s favorite annual events. We love giving back to our communities across the United States and seeing the difference our surfaces make. Through this grant contest, our goal is to uplift communities across the country each year with beautiful and accessible splash pad surfaces that enhance positive memories for years to come.
THE 5TH ANNUAL MAKE A SPLASH! GRANT CONTEST IS
OPEN FOR ENTRIES
Don’t miss these two opportunities to win free Life Floor surfacing for your splash pad!