The Benefits of Integrating Splash Pads and Playgrounds
There is no question that playgrounds often become gathering places within a community, creating a fun place for families to meet and kids to play. And with the rise in popularity of splash pads, more and more communities are exploring the idea of integrating splash pads with playgrounds to create the ultimate gathering place for people of all ages and abilities. While playgrounds are often geared towards children, often containing play structures that aren’t big enough for adults to enjoy, the addition of a splash pad can help shift the space to become multi-functional, creating a community space that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Parkworks is your go-to expert and supplier for all things parks and playgrounds, so whether you’re interested in adding a splash pad to an existing playground or park space or are looking to create a brand-new playground and splash pad for your community, you’ve come to the right place! Along with their splashiest partner, Waterplay, the Parkworks team can help you design and build the splash pad and playground of your dreams.
Promotes inclusive and accessible design
So, what exactly are the benefits of integrating splash pads and playgrounds? One of the most prominent benefits is the fact that the combination of these two play spaces helps to promote inclusive and accessible design. Combining a dry play space such as a playground with a wet play space like a splash pad creates the unique opportunity to blend sensory, physical, and social play experiences. Children can move back and forth between both spaces as they play, creating unique experiences and choosing their own adventure as they play.
Thoughtfully designed spaces that include both playgrounds and splash pads help create barrier-free, universally designed spaces that cater to people of all ages and abilities. Inherently inclusive by design, splash pads are often zero depth, which allows easy access for those who may use mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers. The addition of a cushioned, non-slip surface such as LifeFloor helps add another layer of protection against slips and falls as children play. Wherever possible, the Parkworks team works with manufacturers to provide accessible surfacing, such as pour-in-place rubber or engineered wood fiber that creates a shock-absorbing surface that helps provide easy access for wheelchairs. This means that people of all ages and abilities can move between both the splash pad and playground to engage in all types of play.
Enjoy the space all year long
Another benefit that comes with integrating splash pads with playgrounds is the creation of a ‘destination space’ within a community. People are willing to travel for great amenities, especially if those amenities can provide a family with all-day fun. Children can move between the splash pad and playground easily, maximizing the play value of the space and supporting long-term park use. If people have a great experience at a combined splash pad and playground, they are likely to come back to enjoy the space over and over again.
In many climates, splash pads are seen as a seasonal amenity that only operates for a few months during the summer. But when combined with a playground, that play space becomes a year-round amenity. While the splash pad might not be operational during the cold months, children can still enjoy the playground space. This helps to create a community hub that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, all year long.
Encourages longer visits and fun for the whole family
Not only does a combined splash pad and playground create a destination for families to enjoy year-round, but these combined spaces also encourage kids to play longer. They might spend an hour or two on the playground before wanting a change of pace, and instead of packing up to head home, they can instead head over to the splash pad. This helps create more meaningful play experiences for those using the park by providing children with a variety of play styles and ways to move around the playground and splash pad.
Multi-generational play also benefits from the integration of splash pads and playgrounds. Some parents and caregivers might be too big to utilize the playground equipment their children enjoy, which puts them on the sidelines. Splash pads are fun for all ages and encourage parents and caregivers to get in on the action and join their children as they explore the various water features that make up the space. Fun is for everyone, and the integration of splash pads and playgrounds makes that fun accessible for all.
Real world examples
When the small, remote community of Laxgalts’ap began rapidly expanding their housing in an effort to bring people back to the area, they knew they needed to bring an amazing amenity into the community to help bolster their growth. The Parkworks team rose to the challenge, working with the Village of Laxgalts’ap to create a robust recreation and leisure park that would meet the needs of the community.
The Ank’idaa Community Recreation and Leisure Park contains a brand-new community playground and splash pad, along with an outdoor basketball court, walking paths, and other site furnishings. The space has been transformed into a community hub where families can come together and enjoy everything the park has to offer. The seating, gazebo, and washrooms are all important elements of the space that allow everyone to stay as long as they want. The sports court, splash pad, and playground create thrilling play zones that children never want to leave and are always excited to come back to. Pathways and accessible surfacing choices help to ensure that the park can be enjoyed by all.
Integrating slash pads with playgrounds creates dynamic, inclusive spaces that elevate the play experience for both children and adults of all ages and abilities. By combining aquatic play with traditional playground elements, communities can foster creativity, physical activity, and social connections in a single, engaging environment. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon spent splashing through water features or climbing and sliding with friends, the combination of splash pads and playgrounds delivers year-round benefits that inspire play and bring people together.