Kiwanis Spray Park

Location: Mount Vernon

Owner/developer: City of Mount Vernon

Project team: Scimitar Construction, general and concrete contractor; Eccos Design, architect; Skagit Readymix, ready-mix supplier

The city of Mount Vernon wanted to build a water-themed play area at Kiwanis Park that children could enjoy in the summer.

The landscape architect decided to use concrete for the new spray park because of its functionality and durability, and for its ability to be shaped into striking forms.

A detailed and flowing perimeter wall with liquid integral color in the mix was built to define the space. The wall was designed with a flat seating area for children and their parents.

Very close surface tolerances were needed because of the protruding water features and the many drains necessary to capture the water as it falls. The plastic properties of concrete allowed these tolerances to be achieved.

Concrete also allowed for a nearly flat play area that still permitted the water to flow where it was supposed to.

A flowing design was hand cut into the surface area, and then a water-based stain in various colors was applied. All the concrete was then sealed with hybrid penetrating and membrane sealer to lock in the color, protecting it from surface wear and ultraviolet rays.