Riverside Splash Pad - Wallingford South Oxfordshire District Council

Main Features:

• Outdoor Splash Pad
• Colourful Wetpour Design
• 19 Individual Water Play Features
• Modern Shapes Theme
• Bright, Colourful Features
• DDA Accessible 

Existing Site

Before our intervention, the site was characterized by an existing splash pad that lacked vibrancy and excitement. The atmosphere was perceived as dull and dreary by the customer, who sought a transformation into a space bursting with colour, energy, and playfulness. Their vision was to create an inviting and engaging environment that would captivate visitors of all ages, sparking joy and excitement at every turn.

Design

Building upon the existing footprint of the splash pad, we enhanced the design by rounding off awkward corners and creating a safe play space for water interaction. The Dynamic Sequence Controller (DSC) maximized play value while controlling water usage, ensuring a steady water supply throughout park hours. The Tap Tap Activators triggered a pre-set sequence, adding anticipation and conserving water as children eagerly waited for the next feature to activate.

The space was divided into distinct play zones tailored to different ages and abilities. The junior zone offered a fast-paced experience with interactive features, including colourful Water Arches and a Woosh Shower. Sky Drenchers with tipping buckets added excitement, while a buffer zone separated the junior and toddler areas, featuring a Water Spider for all heights.

We included a variety of EcoSplash jets, offering interactive play suitable for all users. The toddler zone featured low-level and in-ground features like Curve Sprays, Angle Hooks, and polycarbonate panels, providing sensory play opportunities. Vibrant colours and modern shapes were used for the surfacing, while a wetpour surface pathway delineated the dry zone for parents and less confident users.

To enhance both the functionality and aesthetic, we added galvanized steel handrails, mesh panel gates, and DDA-compliant access ramps, along with a rubber roof for the plant room. The final design created an exciting revamp of the area, attracting more visitors and providing an all-new, visually impactful experience.

Construction Phase

We conducted thorough site visits to ensure the planned works could be carried out effectively, aiming to create an exciting, innovative, and safe play space. Our proposal involved exposing the existing pipework and creating an access chamber to reconnect pipes for the new features, minimizing excavation and associated costs. We conducted pressure tests post-connection to confirm the system's integrity.

The plant room was refurbished with a fresh coat of paint, and the pump and controls were dismantled, temporarily stored, and reinstalled. We installed a new pump, connected it to the existing motor starter panel, and serviced solenoids and pressure control valves. A new, larger tank was installed outside, insulated, and connected to the Effects pump, significantly enhancing system efficiency.

A new dynamic sequence controller (DSC) was installed and warranted for three years, with the existing panel serviced to meet current standards. We also installed a pre-filter basket with Jolly gel flocculent for improved filtration. The sand filter was relocated and filled with AFM recycled glass for better filtration. The existing concrete surface was removed, and clean stone was reused where possible, while new drains were connected to the super-chlorination chamber.

We designed an all-new splash pad with low-flow nozzles to minimize water usage while maximizing play value. Bollard-mounted activators triggered a pre-set sequence, alternating between high and low water-use features. Additionally, we repaired the surrounding concrete path and replaced paving with a coloured wet pour safety surface. A traffic management plan was implemented to minimize disruption, ensuring smooth deliveries and clear access roads throughout the project.

Post-Completion & Safety Inspection

Upon completion, we conducted a thorough independent play inspection to identify and address any potential safety risks and ensure the area conforms to EN 1176/77 Playground standards.