Water Play

Proof that play need not be complicated to be compelling, this gravity-fed system begins with a winder pump that releases water into a basin where multiple children can play at the same time. This basin is the perfect place to experiment with water, using your hands to block or release the drain while others wait below alongside the trough—whose gentle slope conveys water into a square water table. As children gather to catch, collect, and splash the water, the playscape stimulates both social and emotional skills by encouraging communication. The explorative sensory environment stimulates cognitive development and builds motor skills.

Constructed on a multi-level base, Delta is a masterpiece in water engineering sure to satisfy kids of all ages. Multiple winder pumps, basins, and channels stream water from one level to the next, like a mountain stream with pools and eddies. Opportunities abound for coordinated action: a winder pump feeds a basin with an Archimedes screw that carries water to a high point; hand-operated dams that create endless outcomes. From face-to-face negotiation to complex logical reasoning, this system stimulates cognitive development, experimental play, and the cultivation of complex social skills. Rich with engagement points from top to bottom, this dynamic waterscape is as fun as it is educational.

Click here to read about the first Delta installation. 

For a minimal design, with maximum play potential, Eddy is a welcome addition to a playground. A central distribution system leads to multiple channels, diversions, and splash tables—making for an engaging, multifaceted water play experience. As water flows along, various opportunities to dam, splash, and interact with it present themselves. The multiple stations allow groups of children to self-organize into teams, exploring the dynamics of water as it moves, stops, falls, and is conveyed from one place to the next. The need for cooperation and coordination tests and reinforces social skills, and the engineering challenges in a sensory environment stimulate cognitive development. 

An engrossing addition to any playground, Current is a compact water play system that offers loads of fun in a minimal footprint. It features a winder pump that releases water into a distributing table below—where an open design provides an opportunity to collaborate, negotiate, and connect as you collect, splash, and play with the water. When it is released to the stainless steel trough, a built-in dam can control the flow as it makes its way to a water mill at the end. Every part of this system is designed to encourage logical thinking and develop cognitive and fine motor skills. The ability to control the movement of water at various points introduces elements of engineering and mimics the behavior of water in nature. 

The ultimate in water playscapes, Cascade’s two pumps are the source of water for half a dozen basins, as many troughs, and endless hours of fun. The elements of this extensive water play system are spread out over a large area on various levels—perfect for entertaining large groups of children with complex play. An Archimedes screw, trough dams, water wheel, funnel, water seesaw, and swirl table provide sophisticated opportunities to engineer with water and to observe its kinetics. Kids of all ages and abilities are encouraged to interact with water elements and each other, building communication skills and logical reasoning. Self-guided solo play and coordinated group play can occupy different units simultaneously in this fantastic, diverse playscape.

Click here to read about the original Cascade installation.