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By Alecia Stegenga, Feasibility Study Analyst
It's 90 degrees on Wednesday, August 7, and a stay-at-home mom is looking to take her three kids, ages 2, 5, and 7, to a local pool. But with the pool only open on weekends for the remainder of the season, they have nowhere to go. The staff consists of high school and college students who have returned to school or their extracurricular activities and can no longer work during the week, so the pool is closed!
Many agencies are facing this dilemma where pools must close due to staffing shortages, even though residents still want a place to recreate and play. This "shoulder season" challenges everyone, from lifeguards and pool managers to directors and administrative teams. Lifeguards, concession workers, and admission staff often feel overwhelmed, working long shifts with minimal staffing to keep the pool open. Meanwhile, pool managers and directors are constantly assessing how few staff members they need to maintain safety while managing the stress of filling shifts and handling call-ins. Directors and administrative staff also face the financial strain, asking themselves how the agency can generate revenue if they can't keep the pool open.
A feasibility study can help address this challenge by exploring potential solutions. One option more frequently being considered is the addition of a sprayground. Spraygrounds may vary from agency to agency, but a common feature is the absence of standing water. In the past, agencies would build 1–2-foot wading pools to attract families with young children. However, these wading pools are becoming outdated. They require the same number of lifeguards as a regular pool, face frequent shutdowns due to accidental fecal releases (AFRs), and lack interactive features. Spraygrounds, on the other hand, offer a wide range of features, from simple ground sprays to spraying structures and multi-level activity setups with slides. Since there's no standing water, most state codes do not require a lifeguard to be present at a sprayground.
A sprayground can positively impact a community and serve as a substantial addition. Primarily, depending on the location, it can extend the aquatic season or offer year-round use. Spraygrounds provide extra play space for younger children and are often highly inclusive, as their design without standing water allows wheelchair accessibility. They also offer expanded sensory play opportunities for development and growth. Installing a new sprayground enables an agency to create a themed space. For instance, a sprayground near a fire station could adopt a firehouse theme, while one near a river might feature an outdoor adventure theme with canoes and wildlife.
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When considering a sprayground, a feasibility study evaluates various factors. First, they examine the location of the sprayground. Spraygrounds can be built as standalone features for a community or agency or added to an existing aquatic facility, often separated by a gated fence. In the latter case, the sprayground can operate as part of the aquatic facility during open hours but also be accessed separately when the aquatic facility is closed.
Second, a feasibility study reviews state and local codes to determine how the sprayground must be operated. It identifies whether staff is required on-site during operation and specifies which sprayground amenities are allowed or prohibited. The study also provides guidance on the type of water and circulation systems needed and helps determine the most cost-effective and appropriate system for the agency. Options may include a recirculating system with chlorine or UV sanitation or a pump-and-dump system that uses only fresh water.
Finally, the study analyzes the financial aspects. It outlines full pro formas, detailing the costs of building various types of spraygrounds, including play structures, circulation systems, and construction expenses. The study also provides operational costs, such as potential staffing and utilities required to run the sprayground. Additionally, it evaluates potential revenue, which could come from increased admission fees at an aquatic facility with an added sprayground, standalone facility admission, or other sources like private party rentals.
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In conclusion, the challenges aquatic agencies face during shoulder seasons due to staffing shortages highlight the need for innovative solutions. A sprayground presents a viable alternative that can extend the aquatic season and provide a more inclusive and accessible play space for communities. By conducting a feasibility study, agencies can assess the potential benefits, costs, and operational requirements of a sprayground, ensuring that it aligns with their specific needs and resources. Ultimately, investing in a sprayground can be a strategic decision that enhances aquatic facilities' overall value and appeal while addressing the pressing challenges of seasonal staffing and limited recreational opportunities.
Alecia Stegenga is a Feasibility Study Analyst with Counsilman-Hunsaker, focusing on identifying innovative trends over the past 25 years of aquatic design, construction, operations, and finance.
Counsilman-Hunsaker is a professional services firm specializing in aquatics based in St. Louis, with offices in Dallas, Denver, and San Diego. Our motto is “Aquatics for Life”.
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