Boulder Beach - Waterplay

Dearadh Zu were appointed to support the zoo’s design team in developing the landscape design and planting proposals for the new Boulder beach water play area. The new play area would open in Easter 2023 and was heavily inspired by the South African coastline.

The development would take place on an area of the site which contained an underwhelming existing splash pool. The current area was underused and looked tired. The area was used for picnincing but felt disconnected with the wilder animals attractions and park in general. The aim was to create a space that had flexibility, extended seasonality of use, had its own identity but most importantly felt like it belonged to the surrounding park in becoming part of the visitor experience.

The proposals included significant areas of new soft surfacing to create ‘beach’ space for families to sit, relax and enjoy the space. The introduction of three beach themed changing huts, a new food and beverage stall, a welcoming feature gateway arch, picnic tables and hammocks, thatched umbrella canopies, a large panoramic ‘boulder beach’ artwork backdrop all added to the clients vision for the area. One of the most exciting introductions to the space were a series of faux rock work boulders of varying sizes and 20 penguin sculptures scattered throughout the landscape. In addition to above there are areas of new ornamental planting that included grasses, evergreen shrubs and bamboo for screening purposes, whilst giving ‘green’ interest throughout the year.

The development took what was a average ‘run of the mill’ water splash area and gave it a real sense of place, with a unique immersive identity, full of character. This is a space children, families can enjoy and in developing this area it has injected life and excitement into a once tired space.

Photo Credit: Hertfordshire Zoo