Case Study: Yorkson Community Park Splash Pad
Location: Langley, BC
Project Type: Splash Pad
Installed: 2025
Project Highlights:
- Urban-inspired design: Bold black, white, and stainless-steel features accented with pops of orange and yellow
- Inclusive, interactive play: Diverse splash pad features encourage movement, exploration, and social play for different ages, abilities, and sensory preferences.
- Streamlined procurement: Waterplay equipment purchased through Canoe Procurement to simplify purchasing
- Expert project support: Parkworks provided technical guidance and installation oversight beyond equipment supply
As part of a $20.5 million redevelopment of Yorkson Community Park, the Township of Langley had big plans for outdoor recreation in the growing Willoughby community. With a new playground, splash pad, sports facilities, picnic areas, and more, the expanded park would give residents even more ways to get outside, get active, and connect.
Parkworks partnered with the Township to bring the park's new splash pad to life, creating a bold, urban-inspired space packed with opportunities to splash, explore, and play. But delivering this exciting new amenity took more than great design. With a tight timeline and a complex installation to navigate, Parkworks brought the creativity, technical knowledge, and hands-on support needed to turn the Township's vision into reality.
The Challenge
The Township had a big vision for its new splash pad. They wanted to create a destination that could welcome large numbers of visitors while offering engaging play experiences for different ages, abilities, and sensory preferences.
Environmental stewardship was equally important. The splash pad needed to support responsible water use without sacrificing play value, while a contemporary urban aesthetic would give the space a distinct visual identity.
With equipment purchased through Canoe Procurement, a purchasing co-operative offering competitive, pre-negotiated pricing, Parkworks needed to bring these priorities together within a tight project timeline.
The Solution
To keep the project moving, Parkworks selected standard Waterplay splash pad products that wouldn't require additional customization or production time. Using Waterplay's Interactive Concept Designer, a digital splash pad design tool, the team worked closely with the Township to visualize the layout, explore feature combinations, and fine-tune the design before installation.
The finished design makes a statement! A bold palette of black, white, and brushed stainless steel, punctuated with pops of orange and yellow, brings the Township's urban vision to life. From low-profile ground sprays to towering dumping buckets, features of different heights and scales create visual interest and invite visitors to explore.
The placement of features encourages kids to move naturally through the splash pad in circular and figure-eight patterns, discovering new ways to play along the way. One moment, they're racing toward the Sling Soaker for a big splash. The next, they're challenging friends with the Cadabra Cannons or experimenting with the interactive weirs of Waterfall 3. Every turn brings another opportunity to play.
The mix of features also gives visitors the freedom to choose their own experience. Solis and Gully offer gentler water effects for those looking for a calmer way to play, while the Aerial Spinster and Twist n Spill 2 bring movement, surprise, and extra excitement for those ready for more action.
Behind the fun, thoughtful water management helps support the Township's conservation goals. Two Power Post Activators allow visitors to start the water flow when they're ready to play, with each activator controlling a separate zone. During quieter periods, smaller groups can activate just one area, helping conserve water without limiting their fun.
The Implementation
What started as a supply-only contract quickly became an opportunity for Parkworks to bring even more expertise to the project.
With several park amenities under construction and an installation contractor new to splash pads, the Township needed additional support to oversee this specialized part of the redevelopment. They turned to Parkworks, engaging an experienced Project Manager as a consultant to represent the Township throughout the installation process.
Working alongside contractor CLSC Ltd., the Project Manager provided technical guidance, shared installation best practices, and helped the contractor navigate the specific requirements of the equipment. From answering questions to monitoring important details, Parkworks provided the practical expertise needed to support quality workmanship and keep the installation progressing smoothly.
For the Township's site administrator, that expertise also meant peace of mind. With Parkworks overseeing the splash pad installation, she could focus on the many other moving parts of the redevelopment, knowing this portion of the project was in experienced hands.
By stepping beyond its original role as an equipment supplier, Parkworks became a trusted project partner, helping the Township and its contractor navigate the installation and deliver the finished space.
The Outcome
Opened in May 2026, the Yorkson Community Park Splash Pad has added a whole new way to play in the heart of the growing Willoughby community.
From energetic splash battles to gentler moments of discovery, the space offers something for a wide range of play preferences. With seating, shade, and other park amenities nearby, families and neighbours have even more reasons to gather, stay, and enjoy the outdoors together.
For Parkworks, Yorkson Community Park is a great example of what happens when creative design meets hands-on expertise. By supporting the Township from initial design through installation, the team helped deliver more than a splash pad: a welcoming community space built for connection, discovery, and years of play.
Project Partners:
- Township of Langley (Client)
- Waterplay (Supplier)
- Binnie (Landscape Architect)
- CLCS Ltd. (Contractor)
Ready to make a splash in your community? From creative design and thoughtful product selection to expert project support, Parkworks brings the experience and expertise to turn your splash pad vision into reality. Let's create a space that brings people together and keeps the fun going for years to come!