King George Recreation Park Splash Pad - Bushey Hertsmere Borough Council

Existing Site

Hertsmere Borough Council sought an experienced and qualified contractor to refurbish the existing splash park at King George Recreation Ground in Bushey. The award-winning park was popular with families and offered facilities including a café, play areas, sports courts and fitness equipment. The splash park, originally installed in 2017 with a 'Tropical Island' theme, featured a recirculating water system and interactive jets. However, ongoing reliability issues, particularly with the chemical dosing system, prompted the need for refurbishment. The aim was to deliver a safe and reliable system.

Design

The scope of the project involved replacing the plant equipment only. No modifications or alterations were made to the existing features of the splash pad. However, we carried out resurfacing work to enhance the overall appearance and ensure visual harmony with the surrounding theme. This involved installing a 15mm EPDM Wetpour safety surface with a natural countryside aesthetic. The chosen colour scheme and textures allow the splash pad features to blend seamlessly with the environment, creating a cohesive and visually appealing play area.

Construction Phase

As part of the refurbishment, we designed and installed a new GRP balance tank to replace the original system, which had limited accessibility and poor water circulation. The new tank included 750mm square access lids and internal ladders to allow safe entry for deep cleaning. To improve circulation, the two chambers were connected at the base with four 4-inch one-way valves, enabling effective movement of water between chambers and ensuring balanced chlorine and pH levels.

The chemical dosing system was also fully upgraded. The original LMI pump system, which required manual mixing of calcium hypochlorite, was replaced with a Granudos automatic dosing unit. This system automatically mixed calcium hypochlorite via a venturi and introduced sulphuric acid for pH control, eliminating residue and enabling accurate dosing. With a 45% chlorine concentration, the system responded quickly to changing bather loads and sunlight exposure.

Filtration was another key area of improvement. We installed a 1.8m diameter medium-rate sand filter using bio-resistant AFM (activated filter media), which filters down to 4 microns and provides superior bacterial resistance, significantly improving water clarity and hygiene.

The suction system was redesigned by replacing sump pumps with a suction return pump located in the plant room, removing the need for high-voltage equipment in contact with bathing water. A new suction chamber was installed with minor excavation.

All existing manifolds were replaced with a stainless-steel manifold equipped with solenoid valves and pressure control for each feature. This allowed for programmable play sequences that enhanced play value. A pressure sustaining valve maintained consistent pressure, and an overpressure return line improved water agitation and chlorine distribution.

We enhanced disinfection further by replacing the two UV tubes with four UV units positioned just before the manifold, ensuring that any remaining contaminants were neutralised immediately before entering the play area.

The surface around the splash zone was upgraded with a new 15mm EPDM rubber crumb layer using UV-stable aliphatic resin for improved resistance to chlorine and weathering. We regraded drainage channels and reconnected them to the existing system. Surrounding artificial grass was trimmed and relaid to blend with the new surfacing.

All splash park features were dismantled, shot blasted and powder coated in new colours. We replaced all fixings with stainless steel bolts and installed three new activator bollards using 12V DC piezo switches for durability and easy seasonal replacement.

Project Management & Safety

• A dedicated site compound was established for materials, staff welfare, and secure storage.

• Scheduled deliveries were managed with safety protocols including banksmen for vehicle guidance.

• Comprehensive risk assessments ensured public safety, controlled access, PPE compliance, and environmental protection.

• The project team used a client portal for real-time updates, images, and communication, ensuring transparency and efficient issue resolution.

By following this methodical approach, the KGV Recreation Splash Pad was successfully delivered as a high-quality, sustainable, and engaging water play area for the local community.

Post-Completion & Safety Inspection

Upon completion, a thorough independent play inspection was conducted to ensure full compliance with EN 1176/77 Playground standards and to confirm the area was safe for public use.