Play spaces with purpose ( & water )

Writing for PlayNation, Jeremy Sutherland, Managing Director of Ustigate Waterplay, says that water play deserves a permanent place in the UK’s public spaces

Across the UK, those of us working in leisure, local government and the built environment are being asked to do more with less. Budgets are under pressure, expectations are rising, and every investment must demonstrate long-term value. Within that context, outdoor play and water play in particular can sometimes be viewed as a discretionary extra. I would strongly argue the opposite. Water play is not simply about fun. When designed and delivered well, it is a powerful tool for community wellbeing, inclusive play, place-making and social connection. At Ustigate Waterplay, we have spent decades working alongside local authorities, schools and leisure providers, and one lesson is consistent: the most successful water play spaces are those that are designed with purpose, not just aesthetics.

Designing with purpose, not just aesthetics

At the heart of Ustigate Waterplay’s philosophy is a simple belief: successful water play environments must serve people first. This belief influences every stage of a project, from early concept development through to installation and long-term operation.

Rather than offering standardised, one-size-fits-all solutions, Ustigate works closely with clients to understand local demographics, site constraints and community objectives. A splash pad in a coastal town has different needs to one in an urban park or a school playground, and Ustigate’s design process reflects this nuance. Equipment layouts are carefully considered to encourage interaction, flow and inclusivity, allowing children of different ages and abilities to play side-by-side rather than apart.

This design-led approach ensures that water play spaces do more than entertain; they invite confidence, encourage movement and foster shared experiences. Whether it is incorporating inclusive ground-level features, sensory play elements or quiet zones for neurodiverse users, Ustigate consistently demonstrates that accessibility is not a feature to be added later, but a principle to be embedded from the outset.

From feature to framework

Historically, water play was often bolted onto wider projects as a feature or something colourful to attract attention. Today, attitudes are changing. Clients are increasingly asking deeper questions: Who is this space for? How accessible is it? How will it age? How does it support health, inclusion and community use?

This shift mirrors the way we approach projects at Ustigate. We do not start with products; we start with people. Understanding how a space will be used, who it needs to serve and what success looks like ten or fifteen years down the line fundamentally changes the design conversation.

A splash pad in an urban park, for example, has a very different role to one in a school playground, leisure centre or coastal town. In each case, thoughtful layout, zoning and equipment selection can encourage interaction, movement and confidence without overwhelming users or excluding those with additional needs.

Inclusivity should be the starting point

Inclusive play is no longer a buzzword; it is an expectation. Yet in practice, it can still be sidelined or treated as an upgrade rather than a foundation. For me, inclusive design should never be optional.

At Ustigate, we place inclusivity at the centre of every design discussion. Ground-level water features, clear circulation routes, accessible surfacing and sensory-rich elements allow children of different ages and abilities to play together, rather than separately. The aim is always to create environments that feel intuitive and welcoming, not environments that require explanation or assistance to enjoy. This approach aligns closely with public-sector responsibilities around equality and accessibility, but more importantly, it reflects how communities actually function. When play spaces are genuinely inclusive, they become shared social environments, benefiting families, carers and children alike.

Experience matters - especially after opening day

Delivering water play environments is complex. Beyond creative design, projects demand technical understanding, regulatory knowledge and reliable project management. Many clients are navigating these processes for the first time, often within tight programmes and under significant scrutiny.

The real test of a water play area is how it performs over time. Longevity, ease of maintenance and operational efficiency are just as important as first impressions, particularly where public funding is involved. A well-designed water play space should remain safe, robust and enjoyable for years, not seasons.

Sustainability beyond the soundbite

Sustainability is often framed narrowly around water consumption, but in reality, it is much broader. Modern water play systems can be designed to recirculate water efficiently, minimise waste and operate responsibly, but sustainability also means creating assets that last.

Material quality, equipment durability and considered layouts all play a role in reducing long-term maintenance demands and replacement costs. In our experience, investing in smart design early on is one of the most effective ways to support environmental and financial sustainability over the life of a scheme.

Strengthening places, not just sites

Some of the most rewarding projects we have delivered are those where water play has helped transform underused or overlooked spaces. In parks, town centres, and school grounds, well-designed water play areas become natural meeting points, places where communities gather, linger and reconnect with the outdoors.

These spaces contribute to wider health and wellbeing agendas, promoting physical activity, supporting mental wellbeing and encouraging families to spend time outside together. Their value is not always easily captured in spreadsheets, but it is visible every time a previously quiet space comes to life.

More than play

At a time when local authorities, schools and leisure providers are under increasing pressure to deliver meaningful community value with limited budgets, investment decisions must work harder than ever before. Outdoor spaces are no longer viewed simply as recreational add-ons; they are vital infrastructure for health, wellbeing, social connection and inclusive play.

Water play has always held a unique position in community environments. It cuts across age, ability and background, offering spontaneous joy,sensory engagement and social interaction. Yet the success of a water play area is determined not by novelty alone, but by how well it is designed, delivered and supported over its lifetime.

Looking forward

As our public spaces continue to evolve, expectations of play infrastructure will only grow. Communities are rightly demanding environments that are inclusive, sustainable and meaningful. Clients, meanwhile, need partners who can balance imagination with delivery.

At Ustigate Waterplay, our focus remains on designing water play that genuinely adds value to places, to people and to communities. Play, when done well, is not a luxury. It is an essential part of healthy, resilient and connected public spaces.

JEREMY SUTHERLAND With decades of experience in the aquatic and leisure sectors, Jeremy is a strong advocate for inclusive, sustainable and well-designed play spaces that deliver long-term value to communities.