Splashpads have emerged as a favourite facility in so many parks, recreational areas, and even in real estates, all directed towards making sure that children have a fun, active and interactive activity to do on hot summer days that young children crave. Nevertheless, while designing the splash pad, the issue of safety and kid-friendliness has to be of the utmost importance. The need for thoughtful design, meticulous planning and correct construction of this facility cannot be over-emphasized. A well-calibrated splashpad not only stimulates hours of activity but creates a safe space for active toddlers to enjoy themselves without parents always looking after them for safety. For this to be possible, it is important that splashpad designers, splashpad manufacturers as well as splashpad construction specialists work together.
Age-Appropriate Play Elements
To begin with, a child-friendly splashpad has to have play items that are age appropriate. The splashpad should provide activities that suit all age groups so that all the children can play. Children in the younger age group may like soft spray features or soft mists; the older children may seek fast-moving water jets or interacting equipment. This means that the splashpad falls within a great composition as the provision of various ‘play’ options make it all the more fun regardless of the ability or comfort levels. An experienced splashpad designer takes these factors into account so as to design a space that is fun and safe for children of any age.
Non-Slip Surfaces
Safety is fondly considered every time a splashpad is being designed, especially when it comes to the ground surface which is probably the most important of all the surfaces that need to be dealt with. Materials used in the construction of the ground areas around splashpads places prevents children from slipping and getting hurt. Wet areas can be dangerous especially when children are running around high on splashes and water. A finishing expert of a professionally constructed splashpad will highly recommend quality materials for the surface which will prevent slippage even in wet conditions minimizing accidents. These surfaces should also be soft enough to cushion falls, thus ensuring more safety in the area.
Proper Water Drainage
Lastly, to top up the list and most importantly in making a splashpad safe, appropriate drainage systems should be put into consideration. One of the problems that cause most injuries is standing water since it promotes slip conditions as well as the risk of falling and the growth of bacteria. It is very important to promote effective waste removal so that there is order in a space. Construction specialists in this area will make sure that the slopes and drainage structures are ok and therefore there will be no excess water on the surface of the splashpad. This avoids water pooling and allows people to enjoy playing in the water since it is fresh and clear.
Safe Water Pressure
No doubt water jets, sprayers and fountains are some of the features which make kids love splashpads but it is equally important to ensure that the water pressure used is sufficient and safe for children. High Pressured jets can lead to injuries, especially among very young children. Therefore, splashpad designers should be restrained only partially in the pressure they are free to apply in various segments of the splashpad since it has to be kid-friendly for instance when it comes to the water pressure. The water features should be adequate enough to engage the children but not where it endangers the children. It is necessary to have the pressure of a pump lowered depending on the nature of the play feature to avoid being out of this-world fun.
Adequate Supervision Points
A splashpad that has been comprehensively planned includes consideration of supervision. The design must be such that children are easily viewed from more than one location surrounding the splashpad by a parent/caregiver. Such benches or shady spots would have unblocked views of the activity therefore protection could be provided at any given instance when it would be deemed needed. An aesthetically pleasing splashpad that an experienced manufacturer designs does not limit the visibility for supervision and makes finding children in the splashpad easier. This is an added measure of protection as children are always in sight when playing and having fun on the splashpad.
Temperature Control
On hot summer days, splashpads can get very warm, especially when exposed to metallic or concrete surfaces to sunlight. In the construction of a child-friendly designed splashpad – temperature control is a must in order to avoid the possibility of some surfaces becoming too hot to touch. Splashpad construction experts advise parents to use materials that remain cool to the touch and also provide shaded areas for comfort. Moreover, some splashpads are equipped with features such as misters or additional small cooler splash pools, which add cooling mist or water that aids in keeping the splashpads at an appropriate temperature all day long.
Universal Approach Not Only for the Kids But for All Children
Children need to have fun pleasures, with an equal degree of inclusion, even those children with disabilities or mobility challenges such as mothers who are slinging infants. An Adroit splashpad designer ensures that the design is disabled friendly for instance providing features like no depth entry, broad paths or provision of interactive features for wheelchair users. These features make the splashpad entertaining for children, enabling them to feel part of one community whilst trying to eliminate safety hazards for any child.
Ongoing Maintenance and Care
Although the creation and installation of the splashpad are very meaningful in making a safe space for the children, regular care and maintenance are in no way less favourable. Splashpads require cleaning and checking on a regular basis to ascertain that all operations are running optimally and that water conditions remain clean and muddy threats such as broken features and debris are dealt with right away. Collaborating with a reputable splash pad manufacturer impresses that the proper maintenance practices should be observed from the first day. These professionals will set forth the frequency of cleaning the splashpad with additional inspection over time to ensure that it remains safe for children.
Water Quality and Filtration
When being used in a splashpad, the water should be treated so as to make it safe for children to play in. This calls for a very strong filtration system to eliminate the dirty particles and keep the water clean. Splashpad construction teams are held accountable due to the fact that filtration systems that are installed are efficient in performing constant treatments and cleaning the water. However, some do not use proper means of cleaning the splashpad after use thus water may get contaminated which poses health threats to the children playing. Parents can comprehend why some decisions are made – while children are at the splashpad where some may be worried that water is sprayed around, the equipment is designed in a way that water surrounding the children is very clean.
Conclusion
In summary, almost all components of a splashpad involve creativity, engineering, programming, installation, and operation. In all these, children are provided with a playground that does not endanger their safety either due to excessive falling or other factors. The construction of child-friendly splashpads seems to be a complex process however. To make sure that the splashpad appeals to and caters for the play space of kids regardless of age, it is best to deal with experienced splashpad designers, manufacturers, and building specialists.
Oasis Water Playgrounds
Oasis Water Playgrounds makes it clear that splashpads can be fun as well as safe and easy to manage for parents. Call us now and find out how we can make your splashpad dream come true.