Municipalities in Rhône are utilizing water to manage the summer heatwave
Water Play Areas in Cities: A Refuge from the Heat
Water play areas in urban settings are becoming increasingly popular, offering a refreshing escape for both children and the elderly during periods of intense heat. One such location is the water play area in Vénissieux, south of Lyon, which serves as an oasis for parents who sometimes travel from other municipalities.
For residents, these water features provide a cool respite, especially for those living in apartment buildings where air conditioning is not allowed. One individual commented that during heatwaves, they took their nieces to the water play area in Vénissieux, as the indoor temperature in their apartment reached 30 degrees.
The water play area in Rillieux-la-Pape, Rhône, is another such location. Despite being a legacy from the 70s, as described by its mayor, Alexandre Vincendet, plans are underway for its renovation. The current state of the square where the water play area will be located is concrete, concrete, and concrete with a parking lot and no trees, according to the mayor.
These water play areas are designed with safety and interaction in mind, using durable materials like fiberglass, concrete, and plastics. The selection of materials aims at durability, safety, and low maintenance, with considerations for smooth surfaces and non-slip elements.
The water play area in Vénissieux, for example, includes features like fountains, water jets, and misters for cooling off, making it suitable for various age groups, including elderly people and very young children. The water play area encourages sensory stimulation, physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play in a safe, engaging environment.
The amount of water used in water play areas is 30 times less than that of a public pool, making them an efficient and eco-friendly choice for cities. Maintenance costs include eliminating bacteria and ensuring safe play, but these costs are offset by the numerous benefits these water features provide.
In Rillieux-la-Pape, the municipality will soon have its own water play area, located on a very mineral square. The design of the water play area will prioritize safety and accessibility for all users, ensuring that it serves as a welcoming and inclusive space for the community.
The company Pro Urba has seen a 50% increase in turnover compared to 2024 due to an increase in water play projects. This trend suggests that cities are recognising the value of water play areas as a solution to combat heat and provide a fun and engaging space for their residents.
For those visiting the water play area in Vénissieux, it is a free and accessible oasis in the city, offering a much-needed break from the heat. The increase in water play areas is a testament to their importance and popularity, and it is clear that they will continue to play a significant role in urban planning in the future.
[1] Water Play Areas: Design, Installation, and Maintenance. (n.d.). Retrieved from link
[2] Accessible Water Play Areas: Designing for All Abilities. (n.d.). Retrieved from link
[3] Water Meter Deposit Fees for Water Play Areas. (n.d.). Retrieved from link
[4] Water Play Areas: Benefits for Young Children and Elderly. (n.d.). Retrieved from link
[5] Soft Play Materials for Water Play Areas: Cost and Budget Considerations. (n.d.). Retrieved from link
- The design, installation, and maintenance of water play areas can significantly improve the quality of life in cities, as they provide a refreshing escape from the heat, encourage health-and-wellness through physical activity, and stimulate sensory experiences (Water Play Areas: Design, Installation, and Maintenance).
- Incorporating water play areas into urban planning can lead to a range of benefits, including promoting fitness-and-exercise, enhancing lifestyle choices, and improving home-and-garden spaces through the use of soft play materials (Soft Play Materials for Water Play Areas: Cost and Budget Considerations).
- Accessibility is crucial in the design of water play areas, ensuring that they cater to individuals of all ages and abilities, including the elderly, in creating a inclusive lifestyle for the community (Accessible Water Play Areas: Designing for All Abilities).
