For decades, traditional playgrounds have provided the heartbeat of childhood—swings
soaring skyward, monkey bars demanding courage, slides offering adrenaline on a gradient.
And while I absolutely love them (as a mother, a professional, and a bit of a nostalgic kid
myself), there’s something revolutionary happening in outdoor play spaces: the rise of the
sensory-rich, inclusive splash pad.

At our Splash Park in Barking, we’ve embraced this new wave with open arms. The concept is
beautifully simple: a flat surface with water jets that surprise, delight, and cool you down on a
warm day. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity—beneath the surface, these water features are
working hard to support childhood development in powerful ways.

Science Behind the Splash

As someone who has studied applied clinical neuroscience and psychology, I see more than
fun when children run through our fountains—I see neural pathways lighting up.
Sensory integration is a foundational element of cognitive and emotional development. The
pressure, sound, movement, and temperature changes created by the fountains engage
multiple sensory systems at once. This kind of play strengthens motor planning, balance, and
regulation, especially for children with sensory processing differences.

Water play also supports executive function—the brain’s ability to focus, switch tasks, and
problem-solve. One child might be navigating the rhythm of jumping between timed jets;
another is coordinating their steps with a sibling to avoid the next burst. This is strategic
thinking in swimsuits.

Inclusive, Flat, and Fear-Free

Our splash pad is fully flat and surrounded by a secure boundary, making it accessible for
children with mobility challenges and safe for all parents to supervise with peace of mind.
There are no stairs, no steep drops, no places to fall from—just space to move freely, safely,
and joyfully.

And the feedback has been powerful.

“My son is autistic and this is the only place he feels free to play without judgment,” one mum
told us. “He loves the rhythm of the fountains, and I love that there’s no pressure to ‘perform.’”

We heard this sentiment echoed time and again. It led to something I’m incredibly proud of:
our SEN-exclusive sessions. Created through collaboration with parents and carers, these
quiet, music-free times are now part of our weekly programming.

Watching children who are often overwhelmed by traditional play settings thrive in this gentle, sensory-led environment is deeply moving—and proof that thoughtful design creates real change.

We’ve also begun trialling similar inclusive sessions at Bounsea, tailoring the environment for
lower stimulation while maintaining the joy of movement.

Parents Need Playgrounds Too

And while children are busy growing brains and building friendships, we haven’t forgotten
about their grown-ups. Our park includes palm trees, comfortable deck chairs, and full
enclosure—so you really can sit back and relax. One parent recently joked, “I was so chilled, I
forgot I was in London. It felt like Spain, minus the paella.

We’ve taken care of the logistics—safety, shade, tokens, timing—so that for 90 uninterrupted
minutes, you can simply enjoy the magic of watching your child be utterly present.

The Playground of the Future

Splash pads don’t compete with swings—they complement them. They’re inclusive, accessible,
and irresistibly fun. They serve as both recreation and regulation. And they are an essential
step forward in designing play spaces where every child, regardless of ability, background, or
temperament, is welcome and celebrated.

So whether your child is running through fountains like a superhero, watching from the
sidelines in curiosity, or simply lying in the spray feeling the rhythm of the water, they are
engaging in one of the most valuable activities of childhood: play.
And in our world, that’s the real gold standard.