Limited space with unlimited possibilities: share parking, platforms and towers. Prioritize attractions

Parks & Recreation, Nov, 2005 by Beth Bales

These are some keys to designing a waterpark in urbanized areas, where land is usually at a premium. "Small sites can be very challenging," says Douglas Holzrichter, a principal at PHN Architects. The Wheaton, Ill.-based firm specializes in recreational facilities and has designed many aquatic facilities, including two small-site, park district-owned parks that opened this past summer.

But creative planning can permit small waterparks to be just as much fun as their big brothers. "Every inch has to be prioritized and used properly," says Dave Busch of HFE-Horizon. HFE's new Bahama Beach in Dallas features 14 slides and a lazy river and water playground on 6.5 acres.

Packing waterpark components into a small area is a challenge, but it can be accomplished. Examples include the Jim Lupient Water Park in Minneapolis, which has one pool, with four slides and lap lanes sharing less than two acres. The Family Aquatic Center at Chandler Park in Detroit combines a wave pool, slides and water play area into 12 acres. The Oasis in Bloomingdale, Ill., is on 1.3 acres, and offers a competitive pool with drop slide and diving boards, a leisure pool with a water walk, two slides, water play features and a Sprayground.

To offer such diversity, keep in mind that owners need to prioritize uses and maximize space, says Holzrichter. He suggests sharing parking if a park adjoins a school. "They operate on opposite schedules and shared parking can benefit both."

Bahama Beach waterpark was built inside an existing city park and thus was able to use the park's infrastructure to support anticipated traffic. "Use common platforms or towers and common walkways," says Busch. At Bahama Beach, eight slides share one tower, off two platforms.

Slides also have the advantage of a relatively small footprint. And a slide's elevation may permit a walkway beneath it, saving even more space. Both Holzrichter and Busch agree that desired attractions will ultimately drive design. Parks should include attractions for all ages, says Holzrichter. He suggests a municipal facility including a leisure pool with zero-depth entry, at least one slide, deep water and a Sprayground.

Attractions depend on audience. A lazy river--considered a luxury for a smaller municipal facility--was a "must-have" in Dallas. Other park districts may want a wave pool to appeal to teens and tweens. "Ultimately, the owners have to decide who are the people they serve, and meet their needs," says Holzrichter.