Working With Water

Provide access, and people will find a way to enjoy it

By Clarkson Wischmeier

Water-balloon wars were the outdoor equivalent of prime-time specials on the hottest days of my childhood. Armed with full balloons, my friends and I formed teams and wreaked havoc, resulting in unbridled joy and respite from the heat. Tromping through local creeks provided another strong connection to water throughout my youth; damming the small flows of water, wading, and hunting for crawdads were entertainments for hours on end. Those adults who grew up with similar experiences will likely agree that every child should get to experience the cold shock of water balloons, the splash of waves, or the delight of wading in a creek.

Stream Landscape Architecture

Humans are innately drawn to water. We seek the connection in simple ways—skipping stones, enjoying overlooks near streams, or strolling around a lake. But many people cannot enjoy these connections as they are simply inaccessible. Urban infrastructure, lack of legal access or transportation, safety or health-related issues, a history of inequitable land-use policies, and myriad other barriers prevent people from experiencing natural waterways. In some contexts, this lack of access is exacerbated by the effects of climate change and increasingly intense urban heat islands. Public parks and open spaces have the unique ability to provide much-needed opportunities to connect with water, both actively and passively, and in both natural and urban environments. 

Contextual Compatibility 

When planning for interaction with water in natural settings, compatibility with landscape context is essential. For instance, at the Big Easy Trailhead area along Clear Creek Canyon in Jefferson County, Colo., the design team incorporated boulders, native plants, and natural materials, like wood, to honor the character of the canyon. The project team, on the other hand, constructed terraces, boardwalks, overlooks, and picnic areas with the contextually appropriate materials. To conserve natural resources, access to the water was purposefully designed to both direct and limit activities along the creek. Access to the water and around the site not only utilizes railings and elevated boardwalks to protect the sensitive wetland and riparian areas, but also serves as safe access during high waters, ADA-access to the water’s edge, and recreational opportunities, like fishing. Although the creek is great for wading due to its wide and shallow flows, water is dynamic and can easily move materials and pose safety concerns. To address this, the project team utilized compatible materials, stabilization strategies, and safety practices. Because the project area was degraded due to its history as a former railroad corridor, gold-mining location, and undesignated recreation area, rehabilitation focused on a balance of conservation, restoration, and programming. In addition to creating safe public-access and recreation, the design protected existing wetlands and mitigated impacts to endangered Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse habitat. 

Reconsider Recirculation 

In more formal park settings, where a natural source of water is not an option but a potable water source is available, design elements can be used to introduce water. While the scale can vary greatly, even small water features can provide a big impact. Water is an increasingly precious resource, particularly in arid climates, which elevates the importance of conservation and wise use. 

One of the more popular water-conserving features is a splash pad or spray ground, a zero-depth water feature that typically uses a filtering and recirculating water system to comply with health and safety requirements. Smaller features that cannot accommodate a recirculating system can utilize a potable water supply that discharges directly to a sanitary sewer. Although this approach may not initially make sense to those most conscious of water conservation, the construction and operational costs associated with recirculating systems can be prohibitive (one recent estimate indicated approximately $50,000 in additional cost). In some cases, a non-recirculating system (i.e., discharge to sanitary) can cost far less to implement and maintain and can capitalize on the benefits of re-using the expelled water. 

Denver Parks & Recreation

At Cuatro Vientos Park in Denver, Colo., a cost-benefit analysis revealed it would have taken more than 30 years for a recirculating system to offset the cost of water. Instead, this non-recirculating system captures, treats, and recycles water for irrigation in parks and other facilities. 

The Cuatro Vientos feature consists of solenoid-operated valves designed to work with an electronic control panel. The valves were designed to be spaced out around the pad and programmed to turn on and off at specific intervals to create exciting—yet water-saving—“firing patterns.” As each valve is programmed to alternate being “on” for very short periods of time, the experience is enhanced with the perception of being surrounded by water with a fraction of the usage associated with more continuous flows. Not only does this “firing pattern” create enjoyment with the surprise factor of not knowing where the water will come from next, but it reduces water volume and pressure requirements, allowing a smaller tap (and lower costs) to supply the system.

A Bigger Attraction 

Stream Landscape Architecture

On the other hand, the water feature being built at Panorama Park in Colorado Springs, Colo., will be a water-wise splash pad using a modern filtration and recirculation system. 

Another chief consideration in planning and designing for interactive water features is available space. In the case of a recirculating system, an equipment building is required to house the necessary mechanics and water infrastructure. At the water feature in Panorama Park, the restroom building was designed to accommodate this mechanical area. The park was able to accommodate larger water features at higher frequencies of “firing” because the water is constantly recycled and used to recharge the lines. Though larger features require more space for the amenity itself and buffer from other amenities, they help to increase the fun factor and attract older kids. Space for caretakers and resting participants should be factored into the design as well. For example, at Panorama Park, the splash pad will be surrounded by a range of seating options, including an artificial turf slope, seat walls, and benches.

People will always have an instinctive desire to be in and around water. The types of interactions afforded by parks and open spaces can create fun and immersive experiences when deliberately designed to address safety, context, and community needs. Promoting the implementation of these features in public spaces is a vital part of promoting a healthy community. While water has always been an intrinsic part of life, not everyone has easy access to it. Through each additional project and improvement that affords this interaction, access becomes a little easier. Providing these opportunities in parks and public spaces allows people not only to cool off on a hot day, but to create memories like those many of us remember fondly from childhood.

Clarkson Wischmeier is a Landscape Designer for Stream Landscape Architecture & Planning in Denver, Colo. Reach him at cwischmeier@streamla.com.