CA’s Splash Park – What the Project Is (and Is Not)
Columbia Association’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget includes funding to support the design of a splash park for the Columbia community. Since the concept was presented to CA’s Board of Directors in December, there has been a lot of conversation, as well as some confusion. Below are the key facts to help clarify the proposed project.
What’s a splash park?
Featuring amenities that encourage play and social connection, a splash park could offer CA a new way to engage Columbia residents of all ages, cultures, incomes and abilities. The proposed park would offer a water play area that uses sprays, jets and fountains on a flat surface, without standing water. Picnic areas, shade structures and other recreational features invite social connection in the areas surrounding the water features.
How many splash parks are being proposed?
Only one splash park is under consideration. To accommodate a full‑scale splash park, CA would need to replace one of its 23 outdoor pools. During the initial presentation, conceptual renderings were shown in three different existing pool settings to illustrate possibilities. These renderings were exploratory only and do not indicate plans to replace more than one pool, or any specific pool.
Which pool would the splash park replace?
No specific pool is targeted or has been selected.
How will CA decide its location?
CA is currently in the early engagement phase and will work collaboratively with village leadership and the broader community to identify a potential site for a single splash park. If a site is mutually agreed upon, CA would then move into the design phase. If no site is identified, CA will determine next steps with the Board of Directors.
What exactly is in the budget for FY27?
In the FY27 budget, $350,000 is allocated to this project. These funds will support the design at the singular site that is ultimately confirmed.
Why a splash park?
While outdoor pools are a cherished part of Columbia’s recreational offerings, replacing one with a splash park leaves the community more than 20 outdoor pools to enjoy. A splash park provides variety and options to our community, while offering greater:
- Accessibility: Offering smooth surfaces for mobility devices and interactive features at varying heights.
- Inclusion: All community members could enjoy the splash park without needing a CA membership. The water play elements of the park are also culturally inclusive, letting people cool off without swimming, special clothing or gendered expectations.
- Community: Visioned as part of a larger gathering space and surrounded by playgrounds, seating, shade and picnic areas, the splash park would encourage social interaction.
- Extended use: Water elements of splash parks can operate during months when traditional pools may be closed (including late spring and early fall).
- Risk and cost reduction: Without standing water, splash parks reduce safety risks and require less staffing and maintenance than swimming pools.
- Comfort: For little ones, a splash park could help ease the transition to swim lessons by building confidence and familiarity with water in a low-pressure and shallow environment before entering a pool.
Have thoughts about the splash pad concept? Submit your feedback here!