The Wave at Emerald Glen Park

New American Backyard

Dublin is the third fastest-growing city in the San Francisco Bay Area and describes itself as the “New American Backyard,” a concept that draws its inspiration from the welcoming nature of a backyard with the supportive energy of great neighbors. Dublin’s growth and the growth of the overall region has led to very high land costs, which in turn led to homes with smaller backyards and fewer private pools. Dublin sees its parks and public spaces as an engaging communal backyard for residents and visitors.

Casual sophistication

The Wave at Emerald Glen Park features an “urban boardwalk” concept that permeates every detail of the facility — from architectural style to interior and aquatic design. With a nod to the nostalgia of coastal boardwalks, The Wave — which includes a natatorium, an outdoor competition pool, a children’s splash zone and amusement park-style water slides — is an urban water oasis that resonates with the city’s casual sophistication. The design creates a sense of place that is at once familiar and new. Distinguished by their organic forms, the curvilinear shapes and soft edges of the design elements relates to the ocean’s dynamic movement and energy, while the modern materials suggest the facility’s urban surroundings.

Building during a drought

The Wave was met with some pushback from residents during the planning phase. Given the severe statewide drought, which saw many California residents from across the state rationing personal water use, some thought that building an aquatic complex seemed irresponsible. To address the issue, the team provided the Dublin officials with data on the lower water consumption of aquatic parks compared to sports fields and other facilities. The city in turn educated staff and the public, creating awareness around such water-conservation measures as irrigating the landscape with recycled (non-potable) water and installing timed, temperature-controlled showers and low-flow fixtures throughout the facility.