Splash pad
A splash pad or spray pool is a recreation area, often in a
Typically there are ground nozzles that
Typically the water is either freshwater, or recycled and treated water, that is typically treated to at least the same level of quality as swimming pool water standards. These splash pads are often surfaced in textured non-slip concrete or in crumb rubber.
Definitions
A typical definition was laid out by a 1986 Heath Act in
Similarly, the city of Norfolk, Virginia, specifically defines a spray pool as "any shallow manmade structure constructed from materials other than natural earth or soil used for spraying humans with water and which has a drainage area designated to remove the water from the shower or spray nozzles at a rate sufficient to prevent the impounding of water."[2]
Spray pool features may also be referred to as "interactive fountains"[3] or "wet decks".[4]
Splash fountains
Splash fountains, unlike splash pads, encourage use from people of all ages. These fountains are usually designed to be both visually appealing (from a distance) and also interactive. As such, they are designed to allow easy access, often at ground level. They tend to feature nonslip surfaces, and have no standing water, to eliminate possible drowning hazards, so that no lifeguards are required. Multiple fountains may start and stop in unison or according to a pattern for artistic effect. While they may be placed in public parks like children's splash pads, splash fountains are also likely to be placed in public squares or at urban beaches.
Popularity
Popular in summertime and especially prevalent in
Common features
Spray force
Depending upon the strength and arc of the flow, the force of the spray can be relatively strong (especially close to the point where the water emerges) or may have more resemblance to
Drainage
The area beneath a spray pool typically has
Special features
Hydraulophones
.Heating
At the splash fountain at Dundas Square in Toronto, Ontario, the water is heated by solar energy captured by special dark-colored granite slabs.[citation needed]
Safety
Inadequately treated, recirculated spray pool systems present a health hazard.
Examples
Placement and management of spray pools varies according to the municipality in which they are located. For example:
- On
- The spray pool at Phillips Park in Aurora, Illinois, dates from the 1930s and has closed and reopened several times. It is now part of the Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center next to the Phillips Park Zoo.[13]
- Seattle & King County, Washington, has a "Plan Guide for Water Recreation Facilities – Spray Pools" listing very specific considerations such as the use of non-slip surfaces and the positioning of the spray pools so as to "minimize pollution by dust, smoke, soot and other undesirable substances."[14]
- Oregon City, Oregon, has a spray pool at the Oregon City Carnegie Center. Formerly run by the city, the center and its programs recently reopened under the auspices of a private organization called Fine Art Smarts.[15][16]
- North Berwyn Park District in community center and spray pool for birthday parties.[17]
See also
References
- ^ Provisions of the Health Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 179
- ^ "City of Norfolk, Virginia: Codes and Regulations of Interest". Archived from the original on 2013-01-28. Retrieved 2014-02-18.
- ^ a b Hlavsa MC, Roberts VA, Anderson AR, Hill VR, Kahler AM, Orr M, et al. (23 September 2011). "Surveillance for Waterborne Disease Outbreaks and Other Health Events Associated with Recreational Water --- United States, 2007--2008". MMWR. 60 (SS12): 1–32. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ a b c "Splash Pads". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 22 June 2023. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ The Splash Fountain in Krasnodar
- ^ The City of New York
- ^ Minshew P, Ward K, Mulla Z, Hammond R, Johnson D, Herber S, Hopkins R (30 June 2000). "Outbreak of Gastroenteritis Associated With an Interactive Water Fountain at a Beachside Park --- Florida, 1999". MMWR. 49 (25). CDC: 565–568. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ Ezell H, Irons D, Isenberg F, Tramontin B, Huffe E, Greenwalt C, et al. (12 June 2009). "Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Associated with a Splash Park --- Idaho, 2007". MMWR. 58 (22): 615–618. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ "Water Safety Part of Settlement With Family of Boy Killed by Splash Pad Amoeba". NBC5 DFW. NBC 5 and the Associated Press. 31 March 2022 [Originally published 30 March 2022]. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ Zdanowicz, Christina (15 September 2023). "An Arkansas toddler dies of rare brain-eating amoeba infection likely contracted at splash pad". CNN. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
- ^ [1] Open Space management for Emerald Necklace
- ^ City of Boston: Boston Common Spray Pool
- ^ Phillips Park - History Time Line[permanent dead link]
- ^ Seattle & King County, Pool Plan Review Application Archived 2008-09-24 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "City of Oregon City: Trail News" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2018-11-29.
- ^ Oregon City Carnegie Center
- ^ North Berwyn Park District[permanent dead link]