Camillus Spray Park Design

What was the Challenge?

Many towns, like the Town of Camillus, are faced with the question of what to do with their aging pool. In 2009, after surveying their residents, the Town of Camillus made the decision to close their 55-year-old outdoor pool. The pool was in need of major renovations and as a result, attendance at the pool had steadily declined.

How did Barton & Loguidice provide a solution?

B&L assisted the professional staff in exploring other water-based options that could fill the void of the pool’s closure. A splash pad was selected instead of a pool for many reasons, including: a longer use season, no need for lifeguards or Certified Pool Operators, and a smaller operating budget. The designs for a splash pad are customizable to fit varying budgets, space and ADA requirements. The Town of Camillus splash pad also reduced operational costs through implementation of a once-through water system, rather than a chemically treated and filtered recirculation system. The features use potable water that is not recirculated or reused, reducing the risk of contamination and the costs associated with expensive chemical treatment and maintenance of circulation system equipment. These innovations increased energy savings and provided minimal clean-up/maintenance. To further assist in reducing costs, the splash pad design included programmable controls that monitor and adjust water flow, implement automatic timer operation and respond to sensory touch activation.

Why was the project a success?

Since the installation, the town park has been revitalized. On weekends, the splash park is full of families. It fosters an environment where families can relax in their community, thanks to features such as shaded picnic areas and bike racks which create a functional recreational center. The interactive water features included in the design enable kids to participate together or compete with one another. With a concrete base designed to prevent standing water, toddlers can play autonomously and safely, offering greater peace of mind for parents. The sustainable, efficient design requires minimal upkeep and offers cost-saving solutions that have fostered a renewed sense of community for this town’s park.