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SPN AUG 2012 WaterPlay
Sensory play panels have been a 2012 hit with children
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
Being squirted by a big blue elephant was a firm favourite but the animal slides and warm beach pool were also very popular and whilst I was more than happy to babysit with the other mums and nans in the kids section it was also hugely entertaining to watch the older ‘kids’ throw themselves into the flumes and waves with real gusto.
Again this year, the call for pool managers and owners to invest in new attractions is huge. Local authorities may be holding back investment but many pool managers fear that if they don’t keep on marketing swimming pools as places of fun and not just of exercise then attendances will drop. There’s a constant challenge from water toy manufacturers to keep the themes as modern and thrilling as possible. So for example now some of the themes and games watched by millions in TV’s Wipe Out and Total Wipe Out are finding their way into swimming pools. The swimming pool specialist market is not subject to independent inspection or bound by compulsory manufacturing standards, but most
Squirtums are some of the new generation of interactive water toys from Hippo Leisure
manufacturers apply the same sort of rigid standards which are in place for the outdoor play industry and its links with Association of Play Industries. Guidelines for best practice are available from the HSE, ISRM, ILAM and PWTAG supplying recommendations for pool operators and highlighting the hazards and perils surrounding fixed and free floating products. Several safety solutions to existing water features are available such as non-slip flooring, impact absorbing safety surfaces and foam padding and cladding. All of which can be customised to suit demand and, in most cases, themed or coloured to blend in with the existing surround.
HIPPO WORK HARD AT GENERATING A COMMUNITY BUZZ
Hippo Leisure are specialists in the design, manufacture and installation of creative water play products. Taking tired old leisure centres with lethargic customers and low revenue streams and transforming them into a water wonderland promoting ethical play values, rejuvenating the pool hall and ultimately generating a community buzz... is all part of the Hippo Leisure service. Hippo’s unique manufacturing capabilities allow their designs to be customised to suit specific needs. The product range can cater for all budget sizes and scales. From multi-level play structures and thrill seeking flume rides to sensory play panels and tipping buckets. Hippo’s in depth research study has assisted with designs to ensure that the products cater for the mixed abilities of children, their level of water confidence and the inclusion of parents in play scenarios. For the eight years and upwards market then as far as Hippo Leisure is concerned, things change. The message from Claire Mollett of Hippo Leisure to commercial pool owners is a constant one. “You don’t have to spend a fortune – that would be my message. You can buy a couple of smaller scale toys and fittings for under £1,000. Two of those and you can start to attract mums and kids. The toys are very bright and very
vibrant and we know it works. Our equipment is well researched.
“For this age group toys tend to become thrill seeking and the kids don’t mind larger amounts of water. At this stage they are more confident in the water and play in deeper water but they want things to be more exciting. So it’s thrill seeking, flumes, racing flumes, rides and slides. When it comes to this sort of equipment it’s important for pool managers to understand that we will work with them from the brief they give us.” Hippo Leisure are always looking for new ideas and ‘touch and feel’ interactive and sensory experiences have recently featured in product developments.
A wet play facility which is seeing record attendance levels following a recent Hippo installation is Windsor Leisure Centre. The centre is home to Hippo’s newly launched interactive multi-level play platform which has an active water footprint of 12 metres. Users are guided through the three level play structure to the 6 metre family multi-slide exit.
Interactive features include a high level mast with a large tipping bucket to provide anticipatory and thrilling water play for the eigth plus age group. Four hand pump operated Squirtums are located on the platforms to appeal to the less confident children and those of mixed abilities, encouraging them to turn the pump to produce a water effect out of a mast top on the play structure. A spray rail housing 17 water nozzles is fixed on one side of the structure providing tactile water effects for users both on and off the platform. The family friendly multi-slide provides an exit that is enjoyable by all age ranges from 1 – 100!
The external features of the structure include a number of interactive play panels. The panels provide visual, auditory and tactile stimuli as well as incorporating a number of educational benefits to play. These include shape identification, sequencing and early mathematical skills. The overall structure is bright, inviting and creates a bold visual impact.
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