Project: ( 2432 ) AQUA-TEK
Client: Magna Science Adventure Centre
Design: Ustigate Waterplay / Vortex International
Water Management: Recirculation System
Main Contractor: Ustigate
Installation: 2004
Area: 1050m²
Success:
Magna is a magnificent place because it raises and answers many questions. It is a celebration of all things nature and all things man-made. Previously a steelworks, Magna has diversified to become a steelworks museum and a visitor attraction that provides education and fun for everyone. There is an exhibition featuring over 100 hands-on exhibits themed on air, earth, fire and water, a well-stocked outdoor playground and Magna Mayhem, a multitude of indoor inflatables that enable children to climb, bounce, slide and run off steam of their own.
Leading the way in innovation, the Magna Science Adventure Centre was one of the first visitor attractions to add a splash pad to their facilities. Measuring 1050m², AQUA-TEK Splashpad is still one of the largest splash pads in the UK. To maintain the scientific theme of Magna the play items are set out to replicate the stages of the water cycle. Featuring cannons, spray arches, dumping buckets and water wheels there is something for children of all ages and abilities. A fully compliant PWTAG recirculation system with two separate tanks was also installed adjacent to the splash pad.
The AQUA-TEK Splashpad at Magna has added another dimension to Magna’s list of attractions and it has proven to be a great success. The Magna Science Adventure Centre currently attracts 130,000 visitors per year.
2020 Facility Update:
To celebrate 16 years of AQUA-TEK at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, Ustigate Waterplay were delighted to return and find out more about Magna’s many seasons of water play. With thanks to Operations Director Stuart Ballard that oversaw AQUA-TEK designed and installed.
Stuart reports that the installation of AQUA-TEK is one of the best decisions and investments Magna have ever made. Best because Magna have not had to replace any of the Vortex International products and parts, and the products still perform as well as they did on day one. The surface is also the same surface that Ustigate originally installed in 2005, and still going strong after a few patch repairs. The splash pad facility is 100% safe and inclusive, and not labour intensive to operate. The daily checks of the pad, products and water treatment take no more than one hour per day, and the water sequences are self-regulated and programmed via the controller in the plant room. Water play is timeless in its popularity and adding AQUA-TEK to Magna’s attractions has led to an increase in annual memberships and an extra 20,000 visitors in August 2018; this being the UK’s hottest summer on record since 1976 and Magna’s busiest in a long time.
It is especially important that Magna make good business decisions and wise investments as the Magna Science Adventure Centre is a charity organisation that can afford little or no ongoing costs. An increase in visitor numbers in the summer is always welcomed as the footfall is greater, which in turn provides more support across the year.
