Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hitchcock Design Group
Splash pads offer fun and unique water experiences that are safe, compact, and relatively inexpensive compared to those at other aquatic facilities. The pads have become wildly popular even in challenging climates because of the minimal investment and space required. While most agencies are careful to spend public money wisely, it is important to look at short-term costs, long-term costs, and the value returned to the public for basic support items, the system itself, and experiential items in deciding about splash pads.
The Basics
Every splash pad needs a site, so let’s start with the surfacing. Since safety is first over all other criteria, the surfacing must be slip-resistant. Surfacing is available from poured-in-place rubber to natural stone, with concrete being the most common choice. This surfacing is controlled by the depth of brush strokes, and is of a common construction material moldable into a variety of shapes (thus, costs are relatively low). It also provides a good base for color additives, surface stains, or slip-resistant coatings.
The water source may have an impact on costs. Most domestic water supply is treated sufficiently to be used in a splash pad for many years. In some rural areas, or if water is drawn directly from a well, it can have a high mineral content that can break down the system over time. Water softeners, special filters, increased cleaning, or replacement costs may outweigh the benefits of using an on-site well. Additional pumps may be required to closely monitor and control use to prevent the capacity of a well or small domestic supply from becoming an issue.