Designing an ideal commercial splash pad

Posted on February 22, 2024 by PlayLSI

If you’re on the hunt for a thrilling and interactive water play experience, you’ve landed in the right place. Aquatix®, our splash play division, crafts innovative and customized commercial splash pads designed to surpass your expectations. Keep reading to learn more about the advantages of Aquatix splash pads, customization options and their top-of-the-line safety features. Whether you’re designing for a community pool, aquatic center or private water park, commercial splash pads from Aquatix are the perfect enhancement to any recreational space.

The advantages of a splash pad

When it comes to crafting an enjoyable experience for visitors, splash pads are a great addition to any park and recreation space. The installation of a commercial splash pad can bring a multitude of benefits including attracting more visitors. People of all ages are drawn to water play, and a well-constructed splash pad will entice children and families to partake in the cooling and fun activity.

Splash pads also offer low maintenance and operational costs. Unlike conventional pools, splash pads require minimal upkeep and have lower operating expenses. With no standing water, there is no need for lifeguards or extensive cleaning procedures. This translates into cost savings for your community.

Customization options for spray play environments

When it comes to commercial splash pads, customization is vital to creating a one-of-a-kind and engaging play experience. Aquatix offers customization options that allow you to design splash pads that perfectly suit your environment and theme.

One of the main advantages of Aquatix splash pads is the wide range of water features and structures available. From water sprayers and fountains to dumping buckets and water tunnels, the possibilities are endless. Their experts can help you choose the right combination of features to create a dynamic and exciting splash play environment.

Your splash pad designs should also offer interactive elements. Interactive water toys and games encourage children to explore and interact with the water, fostering creativity and imagination. These elements can be customized to fit your specific theme or branding, ensuring a cohesive and visually appealing play space.

Aquatix commercial splash pads are suitable for a variety of locations. No matter your space, Aquatix designers will collaborate with you to create the perfect splash pad design. Your splash pad design can incorporate a theme that tells your facility or community’s story.

Aquatix understands the importance of creating splash pad designs that stand out from the competition. Customization options from Aquatix provide endless possibilities for creating a one-of-a-kind play experience. Contact us today to learn more about how our commercial splash pads can enhance your space and engage children in active and imaginative play.

Safety and sturdiness of splash pads

When it comes to commercial splash pads, safety and sturdiness are of the utmost importance. Aquatix commercial splash pads are built using only the finest materials, carefully selected for their strength and resistance to wear. We believe in providing products that can withstand the test of time, allowing for years of fun and excitement.

When investing in a commercial splash pad, it is essential to choose a product that is long-lasting and resistant to wear. Aquatix splash pads withstand heavy use and the elements, making them a reliable choice for your commercial space. With proper maintenance, our splash pads will continue to provide endless fun for years to come.

A cost-effective, simple approach to building community splash pads

Posted on June 2, 2022 by PlayLSI

If you’re looking for ready-to-install splash pad designs, look no further than AquaSmart Splash Pad Packages. HydroLogix® powers these self-contained splash pads, eliminating the need for costly electrical installation and enabling you to install one just about anywhere.

AquaSmart splash pad packages are the right size for smaller pocket parks, childcare facilities and compact urban areas. Add one adjacent to a playground or even alongside a larger splash pad. Kids will love being in control of the action; just a push of the button and the entire splash pad comes to life. The low-flow, low-water option offered by HydroLogix greatly reduces water consumption while still providing plenty of opportunities for splashtastic play.

See all of the AquaSmart Packages—Package A through Package H.

The HydroLogix Activation Bollard starts the AquaSmart splash pad packages with the push of a button — HydroLogix Activation Bollard

Best of all, the HydroLogix system is now available as an alternate mechanical system. Include the HydroLogix system in splash pad designs for a cost-effective and simple approach to installing a community splash pad Learn more about the patented HydroLogix system, and contact your local Aquatix consultant today.

Legacy of Play H2O Contest allows Minnesota Kiwanis Club to create safe aqua play solution

Posted on March 31, 2022 by PlayLSI

We’re excited to announce that the Chisholm Kiwanis Club of Chisholm, Minn., is the winner of the Legacy of Play H2O Contest and will receive an AquaSmart™ Package valued at US$50,000.

Chisholm is a mining town on the Mesabi Range in Northern Minnesota with a population of less than 5,000. While the town is built around the 158-acre Longyear Lake, it is not fit for swimming and several nearby open pit mines are not monitored or safe for swimming. That’s why the Chisholm Kiwanis Club was focused on bringing an option for safe water play to the community.

The club will install the splash pad equipment in Memorial Park, a space that already offers football and softball fields, sand volleyball, bocce ball and pickleball courts, as well as the summer recreation program. The addition of the splash pad will encourage even more community members as well as surrounding communities to visit and enjoy the beautiful town of Chisholm.

“Our club celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020, and this project has been something we’ve been talking about ever since,” explained Shannon Kishel-Roche, Chisholm Kiwanis Club’s president. “A splash pad was a great solution to our lack of community swimming options, and it’s a great opportunity to commemorate our club’s centennial.”

While this is the first year that Aquatix®, Landscape Structures and Kiwanis International have sponsored the Legacy of Play H2O contest, we have partnered with Kiwanis to sponsor the Legacy of Play Contest focused on playgrounds for eight years.

Planning an Inclusive Splash Pad

Posted on June 20, 2019 by PlayLSI

Splash pads are a great way to make aquatic play accessible. Even though splash pads may be accessible to those with differing abilities, this does not make them fully inclusive inherently. Designing bigger and more exciting splash pads does not necessarily make a splash pad more inclusive. In fact, bigger and more exciting often adds barriers for some individuals. Designing for inclusion requires extra consideration in the design process, but typically very little consideration for extra budget or maintenance.

Splash pads should be designed as an aquatic play environment comprised of features that maximize the sensory and cognitive stimulation for children of all physical and mental abilities and is designed to encourage all children to play together and with the same features. Play features that are wheelchair height accessible and adequate turn-around space between elements are important aspects to consider in design. Other considerations should be made for how children with autism or other sensory differences may approach such a space: is there a balance between intense and more gentle water play? How will the various sounds and sights affect those playing in this space?

From the design of the splash pad feature, to the methods of accessing the site, be conscious of barriers to access and address them early in the design process. For instance, assure that there are adequate handicapped parking spaces and that the path from parking to the splash pad location does not contain any obstacles.

All splash pads should be developed utilizing a rule of thumb for one child every 25 square feet of active water spray. Splash pads are an excellent opportunity for park agencies to develop safe play areas that encourage people of differing ages and abilities to experience water play.

To learn more about Splash Pad products, visit the Aquatix website.

National Water Safety Month 2019

Posted on May 2, 2019 by PlayLSI

May 1st kicks off National Water Safety Month 2019! As temperatures climb in many parts of the world, participation in water play increases exponentially. Splash pads, water parks, and pools are a great option to cool down while developing key skills through play. In order to partake in these activities safely, check out these tips from the American Red Cross:

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
Always swim with a buddy
If you go boating, wear a life jacket
Install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub
Actively supervise children whenever around the water
Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions
Keep toys not in use away from the water and out of sight
Reach or throw aid to distressed swimmers; don’t go

Additional resources for water safety learning can be found through

The International Swimming Hall of Fame

Simple Steps Save Lives

The annual event, which has been in existence for ten years, is designed to help prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries.

Commit to safety in water play with the “I’m a Safe Swimmer” pledge.

Go here for more details about National Water Safety Month.

Creating a Community Splash Pad: Benefits and Pre-Planning

Posted on April 18, 2019 by PlayLSI

Planning a community splash pad can be an intimidating process. There are many aspects to consider in order to make the investment a success. In this series, we will be offering guidance on what to expect, steps to take, and elements to consider during the planning process!

There are many benefits to investing in a community splash pad. One of the long-term benefits is the revenue that residents and non-residents bring into the community along with the added appeal of living in that area. Attracting people means attracting money and patronage to the community. Patrons eat at restaurants, go to movies, buy gas, and go shopping whether they are living there or visiting. Adding to inclusive play opportunities for children is another important benefit. People who are looking for inclusive areas that are built with their children in mind can appreciate design intended for their kids’ physical and mental needs. Inclusive water play may be one of the only public areas that caters to all ages and abilities. Overall, splash pads can benefit a community both socially and economically.

Pre-Planning Steps

Progressive cities should develop a coordinated system of parks and open space to meet the recreation aspects of urban life. This system, when properly planned, will maintain a consistent ratio between the park system and the developing population. The system will also develop a program consistent with the specific needs of the population. Finally, the system will develop a plan for future development to meet the demands of a growing population.

During the planning and development phase public officials should have an in depth knowledge of the communities needs based on resources, age demographics, future community growth, maintenance capabilities, expansion, location and funding. This should be accomplished based on past history and future expectations.

History of the Park & Recreation Department: The first section of a plan gives the community a historical context in which to view the department and provides details as to how and why city leaders determined the need and created the department. This section is relevant to the plan because it allows the plan user and community to discover the progress which has already been made in parks and recreation in the city.

Introduction to a Master Plan: This section briefly describes that many progressive cities adopt coordinated parks system plans and explains the purposes of the plan. The section provides a preview of the contents of the overall master plan. Plus, it will define the overall park system by type and size facility. It will then project future needs both in terms of land and physical fixtures. Finally, it will provide a basis for a long-range capital improvements program, and provide for flexibility in the design and construction of individual parks.

Analysis of the City: A section detailing information on demographics, projected population, and observed needs of the city’s existing and future population. This is an important section of the plan because it details who will be utilizing the splash pad in the future and what their recreational needs may be.

Profile of the Existing Parks and Recreation System: This section details the size, location, and facilities of each park, and all programs currently sponsored by local sports associations as well as the parks department. This section is important to the plan in that it provides information in which a sort of “state of the system” or status of the parks system may be ascertained.

These sections provide a complete overview of the scope of a recreation facility project such as a splash pad and can be referenced by all those involved for a more cohesive understanding of the details of the project.

Stay tuned for the next installment of in our series about creating a community splash pad!

Are Splash Pads the New Public Pool?

Posted on February 28, 2019 by PlayLSI

Geographical areas that experience their version of “warm weather”, whether that be a few scorching months of summer, or relatively mild temperatures nearly year round, are most likely familiar with the concept of a nearby cool-off zone. For many decades, that has meant a community pool where families and nearby residents could gather to seek relief from the sun and expend warm-weather energy.

Public pools, however, have some inherent limitations. Members of the community most likely vary widely in age, from very young toddlers to teens and their parents, grandparents, and caregivers. As a result, the interests of these different ages are varied and require a more complex play experience. Younger children are able to be more adventurous at a splash pad than at a pool as they aren’t required to know how to swim or be a certain height in order to maintain a level of safety. Children of all abilities would have the opportunity to engage with splash pads, especially those from Aquatix® by Landscape Structures which are designed specifically to cater to different abilities. This is not always true for pools. Gentler water experiences like misting and bubbling water may entertain young guests while jets and waterfalls keep older children and teens busy and cool.

Splash pads can also be beneficial when considering the cost and maintenance of the area compared to a pool. Adding a splash pad to a community area undoubtedly brings value to that area. They can be visually exciting and are more visible than the traditional swimming pool, attracting families to come and explore the community. They can be added to already existing facilities like parks to revitalize an area and create a destination location for repeat visitors.

Generally, the initial investment of a splash pad is less than a swimming pool. Since they do not generate standing water, there is far less risk for drowning, negating the need for fencing, signage, and lifeguards which are both initial and ongoing costs to consider.

For cities where public pools are not a viable option, splash pads from Aquatix® by Landscape Structures can bring fun, value, and interest to an area that may otherwise have no water play. Children of all abilities and many ages are able to enjoy the benefits of water play while architects and designers are able to take more creative liberty in designing an area that is just as visually interesting as it is fun.

Continuous education from Landscape Structures and Aquatix

Posted on November 15, 2018 by PlayLSI

Are you beginning to plan your continuing education for 2019? We can help! We are an authorized provider of continuing education credits from the International Association for Continuous Education and Training (IACET) and the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System™ (LA CES). That means we can help keep your parks and recreation department and landscape architects up-to-date on their requirements.

Even better, we have a team of expert speakers that are available to present on valuable playground and aquatics information during a local conference, in your office or during a customer visit to our headquarters in Minnesota. From inclusive play and spray play to designing safe splash play and fitness-focused environments to evidence-based landscape and playground design, there are sessions that will meet a wide variety of needs.

Learn more about playground-related CEUs, and check out the new aqua play sessions available from Aquatix.

Splash play is more than just a fun way to cool off

Posted on June 28, 2018 by PlayLSI

Summer is here! And with the warm weather, visits to lakes, pools, splash pads and spray grounds become a necessity for kids (and adults) of all ages. While staying cool is definitely in the top five reasons to seek out water play, there are numerous developmental benefits for kids of all ages.

1. Kids develop their motor skills. Pouring, squirting, stirring and squeezing develops kids’ fine motor skills hand-eye coordination. They also strengthen gross motor skills by running, dodging water drops and hopping through ground sprays or lawn sprinklers.

2. Water encourages kids to test new solutions to problems in a safe environment. Observing the filling of dumping buckets teaches kids about cause and effect. Even more, splash play inspires imaginative play, which plays an important role in problem solving.

3. Splish, splash, sieve, dump, spray… While they play, kids are developing their language skills. Conversations between a caregiver and a child as well as peers will help them to learn new words and practice the language they’ve recently developed.

4. Aqua play encourages role play and crucial social skills like cooperation and sharing. Kids learn to take turns going down the slides of the HydraHub1, work together to make the HydroHelix spin and share the space under the FlashFlood and VersoSplash®.

5. You may not realize it, but water playgrounds are a great opportunity for kids to learn basic math and science skills. Interacting with the AquaGather Station introduces kids to physics and mathematics. Even more, spray play can be a chance to practice counting i.e. “How many dumping buckets are splashing you?” or “How many Splash Pack Animals do you see?”

As a parent or caregiver, you can help facilitate these developmental benefits by encouraging kids to stay active, try new things, use their imaginations, describe what they’re doing, ask questions, and count out what they’re seeing as they splish, splash and play.

To learn more about how to design a water playground that ensures a fun and educational experience for the entire family, go here. Then contact Aquatix by Landscape Structures to get started on a splash pad or spray park design today.

May is National Water Safety Month

Posted on May 10, 2018 by PlayLSI

As the temperatures warm and children and families begin to participate in more water-related recreational activities, now is a great time to revisit safe practices in and around water. Check out the following safety tips from the American Red Cross:

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
Always swim with a buddy
If you go boating, wear a life jacket
Install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub
Actively supervise children whenever around the water
Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions
Keep toys not in use away from the water and out of sight
Reach or throw aid to distressed swimmers; don’t go

The National Water Safety Month campaign is a joint effort of the American Red Cross, The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation and Park Association and the World Waterpark Association. The annual event, which has been in existence for nine years, is designed to help prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries.

Be water safe this summer–take the “I’m a Safe Swimmer” pledge with your entire family. Go here for more details about National Water Safety Month.

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Category Archives: Water Safety