Marigot Park

Human beings are intuitively attracted to the spirit and spontaneity of water. Whether it’s the local swimming pool, a water park complete with towering slides or just the backyard hose, children of all ages flock to the sound of cascading water. When you add the element of play to the scenario, there is no better way to cool off while interacting with others in some fun outdoor activity. On any given day, visitors to Marigot Park in Quebec, Canada can observe the non-stop activity of children playing amongst the 33 cascading water features of the Vortex Splashpad.

Twenty years ago aquatic designers were confronted with a unique challenge, that of reinventing the conventional swimming pool. After 100 years of focusing on competitive lap and diving pools, Park and Recreational districts started noticing dwindling attendance and demanded an alternative solution, one that would incorporate entertainment for the entire family while maintaining a safe environment and low operational costs. Innovation was key and Landscape Architects turned to the then novel idea of a zero-depth water play area. The concept of the Splashpad avoids the problem of a high capital investment thus increasing the number of city parks obtaining quality aquatic recreation. Furthermore, zero-depth facilities have recently gained considerable popularity due to an increased shortage in lifeguards over the past decade. Eliminating the need of supervision definitely alleviates the yearly burden and price tag of hiring a lifeguard. Combine this with the cost effectiveness and operating advantages and it becomes apparent as to why aquatic designers and city developers continually choose the Splashpad.

When the City of Laval decided to add some form of aquatic recreation, their initial idea was to install a traditional swimming pool. However, upon closer assessment it became clear that the old standard did not suite their specific needs. They wanted an aesthetically pleasing addition that would blend into the surrounding environment; it had to incorporate child development principles while providing greater accessibility to children of all ages and abilities.

After considerable deliberation and feedback from the community, the recreation department decided on a spray park. The development phase was then turned over to Vortex to design a multi-sensory area that incorporated a colonial theme for creative role-playing. The children take control by manoeuvring the interactive flow valves of a 12-foot Water Tower or choose from one of five Horse Cannons to challenge each other in a water battle. The element of surprise is attained with numerous flush mounted ground sprays that spontaneously erupt into a volcano-like water effect. The most exciting feature is the unique, custom designed Fort standing 101/2 feet high and 20 feet long; four interactive nozzle sprays can be manipulated by pull cords or rotating handles, others create a surprise element by unexpectantly showering those underneath.

Marigot Park in Quebec, Canada features 33 cascading water features by Vortex Splashpad, including 2 Bubblers, 1 Rainbow, 12 Ground Sprays, 1 Saloon, 1 Water Tower, 1 Serpent, 5 Horse Cannons, 1 Fort, 2 Activation Bollards and 6 Directional Water Jets. EDB Entreprises completed the construction of the popular site, which boosts a 150 children capacity.

One of the most encouraging aspects is that the entire configuration is fully integrated and universally accessible, allowing children of all abilities to interact according to their own capacity. Furthermore, the landscape is covered with large, colourful structures producing varying water effects, thus creating a multi-sensory experience for all. The design allows free play in a sensory rich environment that encourages both social interaction and imaginative role-playing.

As with most play areas, health and safety were fundamental components of the design. Although there are no prescribed regulations that pertain specifically to the Splashpad, great care was taken to ensure that there were no head or body entrapments, protrusion hazards or pinch points. In addition, the area was designed to avoid climbing to reduce the risk of falling. In the end, the result is an extremely safe aquatic play area. Although parents often join their children in the fun, they also have the option to stay on the sidelines socializing while keeping an eye on their children from a distance.

Immediately upon its completion, Marigot Park was an enormous success with residents of all ages. Norman Roch, head of the Park and Recreation Department, was thrilled with the results, "We never expected it to be so popular, the turn-out is continually higher than we expected. We’ve finished our second season and we see the same families coming back again and again."

In fact, the reaction from the community was so positive that the City of Laval built numerous subsequent projects to handle the overflow. Many organizations find that it is a great area for a planned outings, Sylvie Paquette runs a local daycare centre and decided to bring over 50 toddlers to what she calls the ‘enchanted site’, "On arrival the children were quick to discover and observe a site where their imagination inspires them by all the events that are offered to explore, it was a day that both the children and adults will cherish in memory." Marigot Park incorporates an interactive, safe environment with an elegant design of vibrant colors to create and area that impresses both the Landscape Architect and the curious child.

Stephen Hamelin is the owner and President of Vortex Aquatic Structures International. He is a professional engineer and has been involved in the design and construction in over seven hundred Splashpads. He is currently involved in the ASTM committee for developing regulations for Aquatic Play.