Aquaticum Debrecen Strand
Debrecen, Hungary
- Architect: Peter Bordas
- Aquatic Designer: BORD Architectural Studio
- Aquatic Consultant: Fluidra Magyarország
- Pool/Spa/Waterfeature Contractor: Eleven Ltd.
- General Contractor: Hunep Zrt.
There’s a place near the Nagyerdő Forest in Hungary where children of all ages can be at one with nature while learning and activating their imagination. That place is Aquaticum Debrecen Strand in the city of Debrecen.
With distinct areas to engage different age groups and interests, the spray pad serves as a transition and central hub connecting baby and adventure pools. This not only provides a space for children to progress from the gentlest to most adventurous features on the site, but also a destination where parents and guardians can watch children of different ages as they play in the zones designed for them.
Csaba Holcz, Dominik Mak, Sandor Szasz, Laszlo Rethati
Elements of a story
To stimulate the imagination in different ways, the design team developed two distinct play areas appealing to different developmental stages.
A forest-themed spray park includes interactive waterfeatures designed to resemble flora and fauna found at Nagyerdő forest, meant not only to familiarize children with the nature in their area, but encourage them to explore and connect with nature. Shallow water areas with gentle sprays provide a safe environment for small children.
Stylized plants and trees, combined with playful representations of local animal species call to mind a magical, fairy-tale forest.
On the other side of the spraypark, more dynamic waterfeatures and play structures attract older children who are more confident in their footing.
The steampunk-inspired airship play structure provides a bold attraction to the site. Meant to inspire the imagination, it features water cannons, multiple slides, swings, waterfalls, and rope-climbing elements, providing a sense of adventure for children aged 8 to 12.
Metallic finishes and intricate detailing underscore the styling. Its earth tones put it right at home in the surrounding greenery while still making a statement.
The airship sits directly next to an adventure pool, providing a progressive journey from least- to most-active spray features. This zoning, transitioning children from a naturalistic, forest-themed environment to a more imaginative steampunk vibe also was meant to engage children’s sense of storytelling.
SUPPLIERS:
- Interactive Waterfeatures: Eleven Ltd.
- Slides: Eleven Ltd.; Polin Waterparks