Design Ideas for the Built World

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Project Highlight: Apex Centre

Apex Centre by Waterplay Solutions Corp.

Location: Arvada, Colorado

Project Year: 2018

"Our guests love the new features and are excited to have the pool updated with such a fun, creative structure. Thank you to Waterplay for helping us serve our community.”
LAURI DANNEMILLER | Executive Director for Apex Parks & Recreation District

Apex Center

In 2000 the Apex Center debuted as one of America’s largest recreation centers with an exceptional offering of facilities and amenities which included 23,000 square feet of exciting indoor play features, lap and leisure pools, and adult and family spas.

Design Challenge

With new funding approved in 2016, the Apex Parks and Recreation Department embarked on a large-scale renovation project. Part of the design challenge was to revitalize the aquatic facility's existing offerings to continue to support the well-being and vibrancy of the community.

Solution

Delivered by design specialists at Water Technology Inc., Barker Rinker Seacat, and Aquatic Chemical Solutions, two new aquatic play amenities synchronize into a multi-faceted adventure for the whole community.

Revitalized Pool Play

Creating a dramatic change of scene—the outdated leisure pool was transformed into a multi-level Activity Tower adventure. Installed on a gently sloping pool grade, the structure delivers safe yet stimulating fun for tots to teens. A grassland design narrated by lively wildflowers, splashing insects, and a spectacular Ladybug Soaker bucket re-invigorates play for visitors of all energy levels.

Inclusive Splash Pad

The inviting nature theme continues outdoors—spilling across a 7,800 sq. ft. zero depth splash pad. Giant Cat Tails and showering stands of Rainforests border the recreational space. Shade structures and picnic tables keep parents, grandparents, and caretakers cool and comfortable while children explore sensory, cognitive, and physically engaging play features. Critter cannons in two companion sizes, thrilling Sneaky Soakers, and clusters of ground spray that bubble, spurt, and gush. Visible from all angles—a Water Tower emblazoned with the Apex Parks & Recreation District logo offers clever branding and a symbolic gathering place for waterplayers.

Impact

The overall design delivers unprecedented play value, with limitless opportunity for social interaction between generations, families, and the community at large.

Play Features in this project include:

• Grasslands Collection
• Activity Tower
• Ladybug Soaker
• Critter 1
• Critter 2
• Cat Tail
• Rain Forest
• Water Tower
• Sneaky Soaker 3
• Cosmic Cannon
• Fun Guy
• Spinny Squirt
• USO
• Ground Spray (Fountain Mountain)
• Ground Spray (Group Volcano)
• Ground Spray (Gusher)
• Ground Spray (Spray Tunnel 8)
• Ground Spray (Steady Steam)
• Ground Spray (Team Effect)