Collaborative Design Effort Results in Massive Aquatic Success

By Edith Rozsa, Marketing Coordinator, Waterplay??????oe Manufacturing Inc.

The Oasis pool was rectilinear. For design consistency, the edges of the hardscape and planting areas were altered to create a more Oasis-like landscape.

I asked my team of professional co-workers what they knew of the Nickelodeon characters who were featured throughout a recent spray park project. Seconds later, grown adults were describing Dora?EUR??,,????'???s sidekick Boots and her map, Blue?EUR??,,????'???s Clues adventures and Backyardigans?EUR??,,????'??? shenanigans. They quoted lines from the shows in cartoon voices one seldom hears from adults, and danced around my desk as though transported back to the carefree days of childhood. That was the moment when I realized the magic of a place called Nickelodeon Family Suites, located in Orlando, Fla.

Forrec Ltd., a Toronto based design and planning firm, planned the renovations and co-branded an 800-room resort inn for this pilot venture between the Holiday Inn Suites Resort and Nickelodeon. The design goal was to expand the guest experience and increase occupancy by incorporating Nickelodeon TV characters into such attractions as dining, retailing, entertainment, and waterplay facilities.

View Full Size Image

ABOVE & BELOW: A toddler area within the Lagoon allows families to play together. Components offer a diversity of water effects, interactivity, and attract a broad range of ages. The "Tots Wet Play" space is fenced to keep young ones from the pool.

View Full Size Image

The outdoor aquatic facilities lie cradled by the hotel in two separate courtyards, the Lagoon in the East and the Oasis in the West. A pre-existing pool in each of the courtyards created a unique design challenge for the Landscape Architect. The Oasis pool was rectilinear and both of the courtyard layouts required redesign to fit the new design concept. To achieve this, the edges of the existing hardscape and planting areas were altered to create a more Oasis and Lagoon-like feel. Lush plants and themed surfacing featuring Nickelodeon colors helped to meld the old with the new.

The pre-existing hotel offers one wing that caters to older kids and another that is tailored to younger children. The Lagoon and Oasis waterplay spaces are divided in a similar way. ?EUR??,,????'??When consulting with Nickelodeon and Holiday Inn, we discerned that age appropriate play spaces were integral to the overall design,?EUR??,,????'?? said Ingrid Vaivads, Forrec?EUR??,,????'???s primary Landscape Architect on the project. ?EUR??,,????'??Larger, above grade spray features were selected for the Lagoon where the older children play, while softer water effects and lower equipment were selected for the little ones in the Oasis.?EUR??,,????'??

The Landscape Architect depended on the specified suppliers for advice when selecting age appropriate water features for the two courtyards. Vaivads noted, ?EUR??,,????'??Waterplay Manufacturing, the spray park provider, guided toy selection. With many years of experience, they understand which of their products offer the most age group specific play value, and I am confident that the selections made are ideal.?EUR??,,????'??

Custom panels were designed by Waterplay Manufacturing to meet Nickelodeon?EUR??,,????'???s requirements for lightweight, yet rigid structures with specific artwork specifications.

There were a number of design considerations that required adherence to strict standards. With Holiday Inn?EUR??,,????'???s commitment to equal play opportunities for all of its guests, Americans with Disabilities Act standards had to be met. Consideration was given to ensure all areas and play equipment are accessible. The design allowed for wheelchair access to the Oasis dry play structure which is set within a sandy play area. The grades on both of the spray pads and the width and space between the components allow wheel chairs to pass through easily. Further, the mini golf play area is an environment where visitors with all abilities can play. Choice of surfacing and layout achieved this favorable outcome.

To combat the extreme ultra violet rays in Florida, visitors are offered a reprieve under the shade structures ?EUR??,,????'??? a great place for parents to watch their children at play.

Due to their intimate day to day guest relations, safety and environmental responsibility were high on the list of design criteria for the Holiday Inn. Throughout this massive renovation effort, all structures were required to withstand hurricane force wind loads. Shade structures were designed in such a way to discourage people from seeking shelter underneath them in the event of lightening. Specialty surfacing was selected for slip resistance, foot comfort and hygienic safety. In the end, it was the Landscape Architect?EUR??,,????'???s due diligence that would ensure all aspects of the project met ADA, environmental and safety standards.

Extensive consideration was given to Florida codes and legislations which put great emphasis on water conservation. A water recirculation system was the choice for optimizing water efficiency in both courtyards. Each pool acts as the holding tank from which water is pumped for the waterpark and spray park.

Both of the courtyard layouts required redesign to fit the new design concept. To achieve this, the edges of the existing hardscape and planting areas were altered to create a more Oasis and Lagoon-like feel. Consideration was given to ensure all areas and play equipment are accessible. The design allowed for wheelchair access to the Oasis dry play structure which is set within a sandy play area. The grades on both of the spray pads and the width and space between the components allow wheel chairs to pass through easily.

To alleviate unnecessary evaporation, the spray parks in both the Lagoon and Oasis Courtyards spray water only when activated by touch. Combined with its socially responsible aspect, activators also serve to heighten the guest play experience making the spray parks truly interactive.

Once Vivaids had a clear understanding of the client?EUR??,,????'???s needs, it was time to source suppliers. ?EUR??,,????'??There were a plethora of reasons for selecting the suppliers that we did,?EUR??,,????'?? Vaivads explained. ?EUR??,,????'??For example, Waterplay came to the table with high quality equipment that had a proven track record of standing up to vandalism in city parks. They offered immediate, expert advice and service each time that we called, such as when dealing with the technical aspects of a water treatment system.?EUR??,,????'?? Ultimately, each of the chosen suppliers offered competitive pricing and products to suit the design concept and to satisfy the customer?EUR??,,????'???s requirements for visual appeal and functionality.

Combining spray components with ground level slides offers an interactive and safe play environment for all children. Fencing the zero depth play area from the pool eliminates the risk of drowning.

Key to Nickelodeon?EUR??,,????'???s success is the powerful branding that is apparent in all of its ventures. From the hotel through to the expansive aquatic facility, all colors and characters are Nickelodeon brand specific. ?EUR??,,????'??Branding was one of the most unique and interesting aspects of this project,?EUR??,,????'?? said Cory Forrest, Waterplay Sales Manager. ?EUR??,,????'??The collaborative effort of our engineering department together with the general contractor, Weller Pools, who was the specified installer, and the Nickelodeon art directors, allowed us to help carry their brand throughout the entire schematic. It was a fascinating process.?EUR??,,????'??

The Lagoon Tower was set up as a play area for older children and adults. Here a bucket dumps about 500 gallons of water every few minutes, in a structure made by WhiteWater West.

The engineering team went to work on designing custom panels that affixed to the top of some of the spray park components. A sturdy internal aluminium frame was draped with a lightweight skin. The custom graphics of Dora, Blue and Pablo were then applied to the panels with a seamless fit and finish. ?EUR??,,????'??We were required to meet the client?EUR??,,????'???s specific artwork specifications, while engineering structures that were lightweight yet rigid enough to endure strong winds,?EUR??,,????'?? explained Rod Magee, Waterplay?EUR??,,????'???s Chief Engineer. ?EUR??,,????'??I believe that it was our willingness to collaborate with Nickelodeon and supply them with a product that met their high standards that set us apart.?EUR??,,????'??

Multi level collaboration was instrumental in the ease with which the project progressed. The 30 months that moved this massive renovation from start to finish had Nickelodeon, Holiday Inn, suppliers, general contractors, installers, past architects and current architects all communicating regularly. This group effort ensured that the Client?EUR??,,????'???s specific design and functionality needs were met in the timeliest manner possible.

The lagoon spray park features a Doughnut ground spray, on the left, surrounded by three Crazy Hoses (shaped like candy canes) and a Cannon Ball spraying water in the center. Older children enjoy interacting with these taller components.

Now that the project is complete, those intimately involved in the project can look back at the work done with pride. ?EUR??,,????'??Excitement built as I walked through the brightly colored lobby and halls of the hotel,?EUR??,,????'?? said Cory Forrest, after a visit to the property. ?EUR??,,????'??Just when you think it can?EUR??,,????'???t get any better, you walk through the doors to the water park that is overflowing with splashes and laughter; adults are having as much fun as the kids. What we have been a part of is a marriage of companies who are all experts in their fields, working together toward a common goal. The experience of being there is like walking into a fairy tale, and we?EUR??,,????'???re just so proud to have been a part of it.?EUR??,,????'??