THE COMMUNITY THAT SPLASHES TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER

A well-planned and executed splashpad can add value to a recreational facility that benefits the whole community.

The splashpark at Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre in Keilor Downs, Victoria, is a safe space for children of all ages and abilities to fall in love with water.

Opened in late 2022, the new world-class health and wellbeing centre was constructed by ADCO Constructions. The facility offers a 50-metre heated indoor lap pool, a warm-water pool used for rehabilitation and exercise, and a learn-to-swim pool dedicated to swim school students participating in swimming lessons. Adding plenty of fun to the centre, is a splash park supplied by splashpad equipment specialist Parkequip.

Set atop a padded, slip-resistant surface, the splash park is fantastic fun for the whole family. Featuring an activity tower loaded with water features, users can climb the stairs under a shower of spray elements to reach one of two slides that descend down to the ground. While each slide ends in an enclosed pool of water for a safe landing, the Helix slide adds an additional loop to the ride back down its twisting form.

Strategically positioned freestanding floor features ensure accessibility for wheelchair users within the splash park, allowing them to interact with those climbing the tower so they don’t have to miss out on the fun. Other play features include the Sky Soaker dumping bucket, which dumps a small torrent of water periodically on swimmers below.

The tunnel of Water O structures provides a fun architectural element that sprays users as they weave through, while surf cannons let swimmers take charge and spray their fellow players as they frolic below. Feeding into the toddler’s pool, a sloping Lifefloor forms a beach entry that makes it an easy transition from the splashpark to the shallow pool for littles to play in.

More than just a series of play structures, a great deal of consideration went into the design and construction of this aquatic playscape. A collaboration between Hydrautech Designs, William Ross Architects, Brimbank City Council and Parkequip, provisions for appropriate positioning to ensure visibility for a single lifeguard were calculated. Colour schemes, lighting and foot traffic patterns were considered to ensure comfort for users of all ages and abilities, and sustainability factors were integrated to guarantee the facility hit its aim to become Australia’s first zero emissions aquatic centre.

With its brightly hued structures, marine-inspired play elements, multiaccess entry points and plenty of spray jets causing water to fly about, who wouldn’t love the new splash park at Brimbank aquatic centre?

PROJECT PARTICULARS

Client Brimbank City Council

Location Keilor Downs, Victoria

Architect William Ross Architects

Builder ADCO Constructions

Design Hydrautech Designs

Splashpark Equipment Parkequip