Town of Chapel Hill, NC
Home MenuSplash Pad and Inclusive Playground Feasibility Project
Introduction
The Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, desires to enhance and expand the recreational opportunities available to Chapel Hill residents. The Town also recognizes the opportunity to attract visitors to the community with distinctive aquatic attractions and inclusive playgrounds. It is interested in developing a splash pad facility and an inclusive playground that are unique, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, safe, and accessible for all.
Splash Pad
Splash pads come in many sizes and shapes, with varying water features and amenities. Water is sprayed through a nozzle. There’s generally not so much “splashing” as “spraying ” and avoids any water ponding.
Inclusive Playground
Chapel Hill currently has nine playgrounds, all of which have some accessibility for those with disabilities. However, most of these play structures have limited access for some children. An inclusive playground allows children of all abilities to play with their peers regardless of physical, social, or cognitive needs.
Presentation and Final Report
Splash Pad and Inclusive Playground Project Information Presentation
Splash Pad and Inclusive Playground Feasibility Assessment Final Report. This is a link to the supplemental document (Final Report) that was shared with Town Council on June 14, 2023.
See below the process and engagement we initiated to compile this report.
PHASE I - June 2021 - July 2023
Feasibility Analysis, Assessment and Scope of Work
In 2021 the Town of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department initiated the first phase.
Since funding had yet to be identified for executing this project, a professional services provider was hired to prepare a feasibility study and a report to assess, analyze, and receive community input through community engagement.
The community engagement process was intended to be inclusive and equitable for residents, businesses, institutions, and other stakeholders.
The final report will include options for design with images and concept plans listed below.
- Splash pad(s) & Inclusive Playground(s) could be;
- A destination Splash pad
- A destination Inclusive Playground
- Multiple small splash pad facilities or a singular small splash pad facility (under 3,000 square feet)
- Accessible playground equipment at all Chapel Hill Parks
- Evaluation of system types and pros and cons for recirculated water system versus a flow-through system
- Park locations assessment using the following criteria.
- Adequate site size
- Availability of parking
- Infrastructure
- Availability of utilities
- Restrooms
- Access and connectivity (transit, pedestrian and bicycle)
- Proximity to other park and Town amenities (shopping, restaurants, etc.)
- Site impacts (utility relocation, environmental, cultural resources, etc.)
- Estimated start-up, operations, and maintenance costs
- Estimated construction costs
- Identification of most feasible build-out/phases of development
This included two public meetings with Parks and Recreation Department Staff, the design professionals, and an aquatics specialist. An online survey was also available in English, Chinese, Spanish, and Burmese from November 28 - February 10.
The public was notified of the project and survey through social and printed media (door hangers, flyers, signs, newspapers), Parks and Recreation Department in-person information sharing programs, Town, and school-sponsored events (info tabling), and virtual office hours.
The Parks, Greenways and Recreation Commission and the Town Council provided feedback in February and March.
Funding
The Town Council approved $785,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for adding inclusive elements to our playgrounds and additional dollars for making the Community Center Park playground inclusive.
- $500,000 for Inclusive Playground Equipment at the Chapel Hill Community Center Playground
- $285,000 for System-wide Playground Accessibility upgrades for existing playgrounds
We have yet to receive funding specifically for the design and construction of any new splash pad facilities.
As part of the approved 2023-24 operating budget, the Town Council established a Penny for Parks Fund which will provide $971,000 for Parks and Recreation's Capital Improvement Project budget to support maintenance and expansion of our parks and facilities in the future.
PHASE II - Projected to begin Fall 2023
Begin Community Engagement for design and construction options for the Chapel Hill Community Center Park Inclusive Playground.