The City of Norfolk in Virginia, US, has opened a new Splashpad wetplay area at Norview Community Centre.

The US$64,000 facility was funded by manufacturer Vortex Aquatic Structures and is accessible by the public free of charge.

The Splashpad features separate zones for different age groups as well as a Vortex Water Quality Management System and a special coloured rubberised surfacing to prevent slips.

This project was unique in that the youth of the community were invited to share their input in selecting what play features would be selected for this project.  

"A year ago a promise was made that a Splashpad a would be constructed at the Norview Community Centre," said Darrell Crittendon, director of recreation, parks and open space in Norfolk.

"The vice mayor was instrumental and lead us through a series of meetings during our summer camp last summer. There were close to 90 youths who provided drawings and input on what type of structures they’d wanted to see on the actual Splashpad."