The Challenge:
The existing paddling pool had become outdated, no longer delivering the engaging, inclusive experience that Pingles Leisure Centre wanted for families. This project required the removal and redevelopment of both indoor and outdoor pools, to create a visually exciting and highly interactive environment to encourage water confidence in children of all ages and abilities.
Our Solution
The new development transformed the outdated paddling pool into a highly interactive splash play environment featuring a mix of high and low-level water play features.
The existing pool structure was adapted by filling the floor, altering the drainage layout, and integrating new water play features that utilise the site’s existing water supply and pump system. Water from the features returns efficiently into the existing overflow channel and balance tank system, creating a sustainable and practical solution.
Outdoor interactive water play
The outdoor area was designed around a striking interactive water arch featuring two themed masts connected by a six-metre span pipe. The structure incorporates:
- Two large tipping buckets– these gradually fill before tipping in a random sequence, creating anticipatory play
- Two themed squirts– gently spraying children below and providing strong visual impact.
Indoor interactive water play
- Double-sided interactive water wall – complete with bright and colourful themed graphics to stimulate imagination and learning through play. Interactive bowls, channels and jets positioned on both sides of the wall to develop young ones’ motor skills and water confidence
- Two interactive water channels with rotating paddles – allowing children to manipulate and experiment with the flow of water.
To complete the transformation, the entire area was finished with a high-quality wet pour safety surface, providing a durable slip-resistant surface for safer play.
The Result
The completed project brought new life to the former paddling pool, creating a modern water play destination that creates lasting memories for families all year round.
The combination of interactive splash features, sensory play elements and inclusive design encourages children to build water confidence while engaging in imaginative and social play. By utilising the existing pump and water infrastructure, the project also achieved a practical and efficient upgrade without the need for a complete system replacement.
Project Feedback
Adele Glenn, Centre General Manager – Pingles Leisure Centre
“The new splash pad and outdoor water play features have given the pool area a fun and interactive new lease of life. Feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive, and we have seen more families visiting the site specifically to enjoy the new facilities.”