Funworld September 2009

THEY GO BY A VARIETY OF NAMES—spraygrounds, splash decks, splash pads, or zero-depth activity areas. And as versatile as they are in name, spraygrounds are equally functional in profitability and popular among a vast range of guests.

Catching on quickly as a cost-efficient water attraction, spraygrounds are easy to install in a number of facilities, says Cory Forrest, product line manager at Waterplay Solutions Corp (www.waterplay.com), an aquatics designer and manufacturer. “As our industry has evolved, spray parks have found themselves in hotels, resorts, theme parks, cruise ships, zoos, malls, fountains, and—most recently—a dog park,” he says.

The attraction is installed on a zero-depth surface, often padded and equipped with drainage so no standing water accumulates. Spraygrounds incorporate water features like pumps, geysers, buckets, and interactive components that kids can trigger with movement or the push of a button.

Funtraptions (www.funtraptions.com), a design/manu - facturer of interactive waterplay components, designs spraygrounds in water attractions and facilities like zoos, museums, and family entertainment centers. “The demographic using those facilities is the perfect captive audience, especially during hot summer days,” says Adam McIntyre, creative director at Funtraptions.

Wild Wadi Waterpark in Dubai, UAE, found there are practical benefits to spraygrounds. “We’re adding the zerodepth splash deck to help control labor required,” says waterpark manager Haydyn Holmes, referring to the reduced amount of supervision required at spraygrounds. “We want to ensure we have attractions that cater to the youngest family members.”

True to Wild Wadi’s outlook on labor reduction, spraygrounds require less maintenance than full-scale thrill rides, but facilities will require planning unique to their building conditions. Funtraptions and Waterplay, along with designer/manufacturers Empex Watertoys (www.watertoys.com) and SCS Interactive (www.scsinteractive.com), shared invaluable advice on the installation process, marketing benefits, and challenges for which operators can prepare.

WILL IT BE INTERACTIVE?: Some sprayground features— or activators—are interactive and easily triggered by guests. “Having features run on an electronic controller is ideal so it increases interactivity and minimizes water waste when children aren’t in the park,” says Waterplay’s Forrest. SCS Interactive’s director of sales, Steve Brinkel, says interactivity all depends on individual pieces. “When the child does something that makes the water flow, that’s where the fun comes in for them,” he says.

MARKETING FOR THE AGES: Funtraptions has found success in marketing to older children, entertaining up to 10-year-olds with such activator elements. “We've received a lot of interest in the past few years from family entertainment centers and museums for contained waterplay systems that act as interactive games,” says Mark Weston, president of Funtraptions. “Clientele and target demographics directly affect the success of the investment in a waterplay attraction.”

Capitalizing on a younger crowd, Waterplay says toddlers are an oftoverlooked demographic, yet the perfect audience for a sprayground attraction. “They will always come with parents, which increases the pay base and presents a higher opportunity for long-term clientele,” says Forrest.

SHOWERS AND CHANGING FACILITIES: If a sprayground is added to a nonwater facility, it’s essential to consider the addition of clean, spacious, and accessible changing rooms, locker storage, and toilet facilities. “Add these amenities to an outdoor area or design the waterplay attraction in close vicinity to the building,” Funtraptions’ Weston says.

CHEMICAL TREATMENT: Spraygrounds don’t require as much maintenance as full pools, but do require treatment, and recreational waterborne illnesses can still be an issue. The Louisville Zoo in Kentucky has been pleased with UV treatment on its “Calistoga Splash Park” in the “Glacier Run” exhibit. “I’m thrilled we installed the system,” says Mark Zoeller, the zoo’s assistant director. “It provides a greater level of control when it comes to public health.”

FROM THE GROUND UP: Surfacing can be done with various materials, says Wyeth Tracy, president of Empex Watertoys, listing painted concrete, elastomeric coatings, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene Monomer) rubber granules, and polyurethane pebbles as options. “These systems are only as good as the installers and conditions during installation,” he adds.

STAFFING:Operators should consider how many staffers they can accommodate. Smaller spraygrounds may not require lifeguards, but large features like slides may require attendants. “You’ll need to care for pumps and filters that weren’t there the year before,” says Brinkel of SCS.

WILL YOU RETROFIT? Forrest cites facilities that took older wading pools or traditional pools with dwindling attendance and found success when transforming them into spraygrounds. But Watertoys’ Tracy cautions it is often necessary to start from scratch on a retrofit as recirculation systems can be outdated and existing piping may be inadequate.

From Beginning to End—Brainstorming, Planning, and Installing Spraygrounds

Choose a Supplier/Designer

WHAT: “It’s important to find a supplier who can meet the flow requirements for your facility and provide materials that best suit your environment,” says Waterplay’s Forrest. He recommends engaging kids in focus groups after choosing a supplier to see what features they like best. Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, incorporated its "Duke's Lagoon" sprayground in 2003 and advises planning for a sprayground several years in advance. Beth Alwan, marketing director at the park, says now is the time to incorporate interactive elements: "What our guests love about Duke's Lagoon is the level of playabilitiy it provides."

WHO: “Do your research and get references and project history when choosing a reputable manufacturer,” says Empex’s Tracy. Operators can engage a primary manufacturer on the projects, but it’s also common to employ a lead supplier and bring in multiple consultants.

Develop a Theme and Conceptual Design

WHAT: “Develop a theme or brand that will carry throughout the facility; it will inform the design process in each phase of planning,” McIntyre advises. Designers present plans through 3-D renderings, written narratives, illustrations, and storyboards. SCS’ Brinkel says an iconic centerpiece or central activity will pull kids into the attraction.

WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED: Involve architects, landscape architects, and aquatic designers. “If you’re adding to a preexisting attraction, hire a structural engineer,” Forrest says.

Determine Budget and Scope Parameters

WHAT:Establish realistic expectations and goals for the project, and limit unnecessary work with a conservative estimate. “It’s always more interesting to design toward a budget rather than try to be creative when you’re forced to cut things out,” McIntyre says. “Always involve your local health department to ensure you follow local codes,” adds Tracy.

WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED: Consult experienced professionals, operators with experience on similar projects, or aquatic consultants.

Review Existing Equipment/Land

WHAT: Carefully review placement of underground utilities such as water, electrical, and air lines before proceeding with installation. “Make sure there is adequate drainage from the decks to a common sump, and that there are proper disinfection procedures occurring,” says Keith Fontenot, general manager at Schlitterbahn Vacation Village. Schlitterbahn has spraygrounds at its South Padre and New Braunfels, Texas, locations.

WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED: Engage an aquatic engineer to lay out utilities, supplies, drainage, and—if the facility is indoors—HVAC. Waterplay’s Forrest adds operators should look for vendors who provide reliable warranties and vandal-resistant equipment.

Begin Installation and Make Frequent Site Visits

WHAT:Waterplay staffers advise to budget five to eight weeks when preparing for installation, depending on park size and on-site coordination. And site visits are crucial to ensure compliance with intended design and functioning features. Everyone from the aquatic engineer and lead designer to the suppliers should be visiting the facility.

WHO SHOULD BE INVOLVED: Everyone!
Contact Departments Editor Marion Hixon at mhixon@IAAPA.org.