Splash Parks and Landscape Architects

 

For the modern splash park, several key design elements are required. The most important element is that there is no or very little standing water around the pad. This element allows for the public use of the splash park without the need for supervisory by lifeguards.

Other design, construction, and equipment requirements for splash pads are outlined in the WAC 246-260-081 rules. RCW LAWS:
There are several rules and regulations in the state of Washington, and many counties within the state have their own set of rules and regulation regarding the permitting, construction, design, and maintenance of splash parks.

General design, construction, and equipment for all WRF pool facilities: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-260-010

Construction permit WAC 246-260-021: An application for a construction permit for a water recreation facility may not be approved unless, notwithstanding a noncompliant design, the health and safety purposes behind the requirements of this chapter would be met. An applicant (or the architect or engineer acting on behalf of the applicant) shall provide adequate documentation to meet these requirements
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-260-021

Other design, construction, and equipment requirements for splash pads are outlined in the WAC 246-260-081 rules:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-260-081

Water quality standards, analysis, and sample collection WAC 246-260-111:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-260-111

Under current regulations, after the Landscape Architect has designed the public splash park a licensed Engineer or Licensed Architect are then required to stamp the designs for submittal of the documents to the department or local health office. This final step may be redundant, since many of the products that we use and specify have already been signed by an in-house, licensed engineer. Is this an issue we should look into; is this an issue worth pursuing?

Let WASLA EC members know what you have run into and your thoughts on this issue.