Splash pads have rapidly become one of the most popular water play features in parks and recreational areas, celebrated for their innovative design and inherent inclusivity. At Whirlix Design, we are committed to creating outdoor recreation spaces that welcome individuals of all abilities. In this blog post, we delve into the accessibility of splash pads, explore the principles of inclusive design, and highlight real-world examples that demonstrate how thoughtful design can transform a splash pad into a truly welcoming space.
In recent years, splash pads have emerged as recreational spaces that promise fun for everyone. Unlike traditional swimming pools, splash pads eliminate the need for swimming skills and deep water, theoretically reducing barriers to entry. However, achieving true accessibility goes beyond meeting basic ADA requirements. Inclusive design in water play means creating an environment where every community member feels welcomed and valued.
As Jill Moore, Inclusive Play Specialist at Landscape Structures, explains, "Play and communities have evolved, acknowledging the valuable contributions of individuals with disabilities. New and forthcoming inclusive design celebrates this, ensuring that everyone who enters a park and play environment feels welcomed and valued" (Moore, 2024). The inherent qualities of water—its ability to bring people together, engage the senses, and offer educational and therapeutic opportunities—make it an ideal medium for inclusive recreation.
Splash pads naturally embody several inclusive design principles. They offer a safe and engaging alternative to traditional water facilities by providing:
These benefits highlight why splash pads have become symbols of modern, inclusive design, but they also bring to light the challenges that must be addressed to achieve true accessibility.
Despite the promise of splash pads as inclusive water play areas, there are several common challenges that can impede their accessibility. For instance, inconsistent design standards remain problematic—while many facilities meet basic ADA requirements, they often lack critical features like tactile markers for visually impaired users and properly ramped access points. Without these elements, even "compliant" splash pads may fail to serve all community members effectively.
Regular maintenance is equally crucial for accessibility. Worn surfaces, damaged features, and malfunctioning equipment create both disappointing experiences and potential safety hazards, particularly for users with disabilities who rely on predictable, functional environments.
The one-size-fits-all approach to design presents another significant barrier. Fixed-height activation buttons and non-adjustable water controls may work for some users while excluding others with mobility or dexterity limitations. True accessibility requires customizable elements that accommodate diverse physical abilities and promote independent use.
Sensory considerations often receive insufficient attention in splash pad design. The bright colors, high water pressure, and loud effects that create excitement for many can overwhelm individuals with sensory processing disorders. Accessibility demands balanced designs with adjustable intensities, quieter zones, and thoughtfully selected visual elements.
Control mechanisms frequently pose challenges as well. Poorly positioned activation buttons and complex controls can restrict independence for users with limited reach or manual dexterity, undermining the inclusive potential of the entire facility.
Creating truly accessible splash pads requires ongoing commitment beyond initial construction. Communities must continually evaluate and update designs, implement rigorous maintenance protocols, and incorporate diverse user feedback to ensure these spaces welcome everyone.
When Aquatix by Landscape Structures® and Carolina Parks & Play partnered with the regional autism school in eastern North Carolina, they created a splash pad specifically designed to support the 180 children they serve. Opened in January 2024, this 1,256-square-foot splash pad demonstrates how thoughtful design can create truly inclusive water play environments.
Key Features:
The school reports that water play has become an essential part of their therapeutic programming, with many children experiencing social engagement and sensory regulation benefits.
As the third-largest city in West Virginia, Parkersburg needed a splash pad that would serve its 31,000 residents plus a regional outreach of 160,000 people. Aquatix by Landscape Structures® and Sparks@Play designed and installed a 7,642-square-foot splash pad that has become a model of inclusive design.
Key Features:
Since opening, the Parkersburg splash pad has seen dramatically increased usage by families with members who have disabilities, who previously felt excluded from traditional aquatic recreation.
A truly inclusive splash pad design goes well beyond the water play area itself, incorporating a range of supportive elements to ensure that everyone can enjoy the facility.
With 16% of people under 65 having a disability and childhood obesity rates at 19.6%, inclusive design is essential for community wellbeing. Inclusive splash pads offer intergenerational recreation where families play together, strengthening bonds across generations and abilities.
These spaces provide significant therapeutic benefits—promoting physical wellness through active play while offering sensory stimulation and emotional support. This combination helps improve health outcomes and can address childhood obesity through engaging physical activity.
Inclusive design transforms public spaces into community hubs where diversity is celebrated. When everyone can access recreational spaces, they foster social engagement, empowerment, and independence. This creates a more equitable society where the benefits of outdoor play and active living are universally shared.
The future of splash pads includes designs that adapt to user needs in real-time—smart systems that customize water pressure, spray intensity, and ambient sound levels to individual preferences. Imagine splash pads that automatically calibrate water jets based on sensory preferences, creating personalized experiences for children with processing disorders while enhancing safety for all users.
Sustainability will become increasingly central to inclusive design, with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems becoming standard. Recycled water systems and solar-powered pumps will reduce environmental impact while maintaining dynamic play experiences.
Future splash pads will feature modular components that evolve with community needs and technological advances, allowing for targeted updates without complete facility overhauls. Enhanced data analytics will optimize maintenance and monitor usage patterns, ensuring accessibility is consistently maintained.
Companies like Aquatix by Landscape Structures® are pushing beyond compliance to create truly welcoming environments by continuously engaging with communities, incorporating diverse feedback, and pioneering inclusive design innovations.
The answer is both yes and no. Splash pads have inherent characteristics that make them more accessible than many other recreational facilities, but true accessibility requires intentional design, ongoing maintenance, and community engagement.
When thoughtfully created—like the projects in North Carolina and West Virginia—splash pads can indeed welcome everyone. They become vibrant community hubs where people of all abilities experience the simple joy of water play together.
At Whirlix Design, we're committed to making this inclusive vision a reality in every project we undertake, showcasing innovative designs like those from Carolina Parks & Play and Sparks@Play. Because water play should be a delight that everyone can access!
Want to learn more about creating truly inclusive outdoor recreation spaces for your community? Contact us today for a consultation.