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RIVERFRONT PARK SPLASH PAD
For Wenatchee Riverfront Park in Wenatchee, Washington, we created a naturalistic splash pad experience inspired by the Columbia River and the region's history. The project featured a colorful columnar basalt scramble area leading up to a giant apple play feature, with the splash pad framed by a series of sculpted granite boulders that anchored the perimeter and blended the play area into the surrounding landscape. We also incorporated custom riverboat-themed features, reminiscent of the historic steamboats that once traveled up and down the Columbia River, bringing a distinctive Northwest character to the park.
From Model to Magic
This detailed scale model was created by Turnstone as part of the design process for this spray park. Because artistic rock work and naturalistic water features are highly subjective, physical models give clients the opportunity to see and understand the proposed design before construction begins. From the overall forms and elevations to the placement of individual features, the model provides a tangible representation of the finished project and allows the design to be refined and approved with confidence before work moves into the field.
From Steel to Scramble
This phase of the Riverfront Spray Park shows Turnstone placing the structural shotcrete for the children's climbing scramble. The finished feature is designed to resemble columnar basalt, a distinctive rock formation associated with Eastern Washington landscape. Using shotcrete to build and shape the underlying columns allows the artist to establish the structure, elevation, and contours that will ultimately be transformed into a realistic natural rock climbing experience.
Climbing Toward the Top-Adventure for Everyone
The columnar basalt climbing struck scramble begins to take shape, with massive shotcrete columns built at varying elevations to recreate the distinctive rock formations of Eastern Washington. At this stage the structure is complete but awaits its final texture and artistic detailing. The carefully planned elevations also incorporate an ADA accessible route allowing challenged children to make their way to the top and experience the feature alongside their peers. The result is a challenging naturalistic play environment designed with both adventure and accessibility in mind.
Getting into the Cracks
A Turnstone ASA Shotcrete Certified Nozzleman applies the texture coat using a smaller 1 1/2 inch shotcrete hose and nozzle allowing the placement to work successfully into all the deep interstices of this highly detailed feature. The smaller equipment provides the precision needed to build up realistic rock textures while preserving the carefully sculpted contours of the scramble. This attention to detail is what transforms the structural shockery framework into a convincing natural rock formation.
Sculpting in the Window-Texturing Concrete Through the Cure
The artistic transformation begins as Turnstones concrete sculptors work the surface through the different stages of the curing process. Trowels and texture brushes, carving tools, and other specialized texturing tools are used at precisely the right moments to shape, soften, deepen, and refine the rockwork. Each stage of the cure presents a different opportunity to manipulate the concrete, allowing the artist to build layers of texture and natural variation into the finished surface. This hands on process is what gives the shotcrete it's convincing, high detailed rock appearance.
Shaping the Boulders
Back at the splash pad, the boulders are taking shape as the structural shotcrete is applied and carefully sculpted to establish their final forms. Each boulder is pre-shaped with their proper contours, elevations, and transitions to prepare the surface for the detailed texture coat that follows.
A Fossil in the Stone
An Ammonite is carefully sculpted into one of the boulders as a small discovery piece-an unexpected detail for children and visitors to discover as they explore the splash pad. Inspired by the ancient fossil record, the Ammonite offers a quiet connection to Natural History and the immense passage of time. Its subtle reminder that the rocks we see to day are part of a much larger story-one that stretches far beyond our own time.
A Nod to the Columbia
The bow of an old paddleboat emerges as a distinctive feature of the Wenatchee Riverfront splash pad, honoring the vessel that once traveled up and down the Columbia River. Designed as a tribute to an important era in the region's history the feature brings a piece of the river's past into a place of play and discovery.
A Paddle-Wheeler Brought to Life
The finished bow of a historic style paddle wheel riverboat is carved entirely from concrete, bringing a tribute to the Columbia River's past into the Wenatchee splash pad. Detailed texturing recreates the appearance of weathered timber from the heavy structural beams to the boats carefully sculpted shiplap side paneling. Each surface is worked to capture the character and grain of wood transforming the Shotcrete into a convincing recreation of an old riverboat.
Splashing into Summer
The completed Wenatchee Splash pad comes alive as children enjoy the water features and spray jets across the play area. With the safety surfacing installed and the riverboat elements finished, the space brings together imaginative play, local history, and refreshing summer fun. Inspired by the Columbia River and the region's heritage, The feature create a welcoming place for families to gather, cool off, and make lasting summer memories.
From Basalt to Apple
The finished Kids Scramble area features sculpted Shotcrete columns inspired by the region's distinctive columnar basalt formations. The climbing route leads to a giant prefabricated red apple play structure, celebrating Wenatchee's renowned apple growing industry and the regions abundant apple harvests. Together, the basalt inspired rock work and oversized apple create an engaging play experience that connects children with the natural geology and agricultural heritage of their community.
From Model to Magic
This detailed scale model was created by Turnstone as part of the design process for this spray park. Because artistic rock work and naturalistic water features are highly subjective, physical models give clients the opportunity to see and understand the proposed design before construction begins. From the overall forms and elevations to the placement of individual features, the model provides a tangible representation of the finished project and allows the design to be refined and approved with confidence before work moves into the field.
From Steel to Scramble
This phase of the Riverfront Spray Park shows Turnstone placing the structural shotcrete for the children's climbing scramble. The finished feature is designed to resemble columnar basalt, a distinctive rock formation associated with Eastern Washington landscape. Using shotcrete to build and shape the underlying columns allows the artist to establish the structure, elevation, and contours that will ultimately be transformed into a realistic natural rock climbing experience.
Climbing Toward the Top-Adventure for Everyone
The columnar basalt climbing struck scramble begins to take shape, with massive shotcrete columns built at varying elevations to recreate the distinctive rock formations of Eastern Washington. At this stage the structure is complete but awaits its final texture and artistic detailing. The carefully planned elevations also incorporate an ADA accessible route allowing challenged children to make their way to the top and experience the feature alongside their peers. The result is a challenging naturalistic play environment designed with both adventure and accessibility in mind.
Getting into the Cracks
A Turnstone ASA Shotcrete Certified Nozzleman applies the texture coat using a smaller 1 1/2 inch shotcrete hose and nozzle allowing the placement to work successfully into all the deep interstices of this highly detailed feature. The smaller equipment provides the precision needed to build up realistic rock textures while preserving the carefully sculpted contours of the scramble. This attention to detail is what transforms the structural shockery framework into a convincing natural rock formation.
Sculpting in the Window-Texturing Concrete Through the Cure
The artistic transformation begins as Turnstones concrete sculptors work the surface through the different stages of the curing process. Trowels and texture brushes, carving tools, and other specialized texturing tools are used at precisely the right moments to shape, soften, deepen, and refine the rockwork. Each stage of the cure presents a different opportunity to manipulate the concrete, allowing the artist to build layers of texture and natural variation into the finished surface. This hands on process is what gives the shotcrete it's convincing, high detailed rock appearance.
Shaping the Boulders
Back at the splash pad, the boulders are taking shape as the structural shotcrete is applied and carefully sculpted to establish their final forms. Each boulder is pre-shaped with their proper contours, elevations, and transitions to prepare the surface for the detailed texture coat that follows.
A Fossil in the Stone
An Ammonite is carefully sculpted into one of the boulders as a small discovery piece-an unexpected detail for children and visitors to discover as they explore the splash pad. Inspired by the ancient fossil record, the Ammonite offers a quiet connection to Natural History and the immense passage of time. Its subtle reminder that the rocks we see to day are part of a much larger story-one that stretches far beyond our own time.
A Nod to the Columbia
The bow of an old paddleboat emerges as a distinctive feature of the Wenatchee Riverfront splash pad, honoring the vessel that once traveled up and down the Columbia River. Designed as a tribute to an important era in the region's history the feature brings a piece of the river's past into a place of play and discovery.
A Paddle-Wheeler Brought to Life
The finished bow of a historic style paddle wheel riverboat is carved entirely from concrete, bringing a tribute to the Columbia River's past into the Wenatchee splash pad. Detailed texturing recreates the appearance of weathered timber from the heavy structural beams to the boats carefully sculpted shiplap side paneling. Each surface is worked to capture the character and grain of wood transforming the Shotcrete into a convincing recreation of an old riverboat.
Splashing into Summer
The completed Wenatchee Splash pad comes alive as children enjoy the water features and spray jets across the play area. With the safety surfacing installed and the riverboat elements finished, the space brings together imaginative play, local history, and refreshing summer fun. Inspired by the Columbia River and the region's heritage, The feature create a welcoming place for families to gather, cool off, and make lasting summer memories.
From Basalt to Apple
The finished Kids Scramble area features sculpted Shotcrete columns inspired by the region's distinctive columnar basalt formations. The climbing route leads to a giant prefabricated red apple play structure, celebrating Wenatchee's renowned apple growing industry and the regions abundant apple harvests. Together, the basalt inspired rock work and oversized apple create an engaging play experience that connects children with the natural geology and agricultural heritage of their community.
From Model to Magic
This detailed scale model was created by Turnstone as part of the design process for this spray park. Because artistic rock work and naturalistic water features are highly subjective, physical models give clients the opportunity to see and understand the proposed design before construction begins. From the overall forms and elevations to the placement of individual features, the model provides a tangible representation of the finished project and allows the design to be refined and approved with confidence before work moves into the field.
From Steel to Scramble
This phase of the Riverfront Spray Park shows Turnstone placing the structural shotcrete for the children's climbing scramble. The finished feature is designed to resemble columnar basalt, a distinctive rock formation associated with Eastern Washington landscape. Using shotcrete to build and shape the underlying columns allows the artist to establish the structure, elevation, and contours that will ultimately be transformed into a realistic natural rock climbing experience.
Climbing Toward the Top-Adventure for Everyone
The columnar basalt climbing struck scramble begins to take shape, with massive shotcrete columns built at varying elevations to recreate the distinctive rock formations of Eastern Washington. At this stage the structure is complete but awaits its final texture and artistic detailing. The carefully planned elevations also incorporate an ADA accessible route allowing challenged children to make their way to the top and experience the feature alongside their peers. The result is a challenging naturalistic play environment designed with both adventure and accessibility in mind.
Getting into the Cracks
A Turnstone ASA Shotcrete Certified Nozzleman applies the texture coat using a smaller 1 1/2 inch shotcrete hose and nozzle allowing the placement to work successfully into all the deep interstices of this highly detailed feature. The smaller equipment provides the precision needed to build up realistic rock textures while preserving the carefully sculpted contours of the scramble. This attention to detail is what transforms the structural shockery framework into a convincing natural rock formation.
Sculpting in the Window-Texturing Concrete Through the Cure
The artistic transformation begins as Turnstones concrete sculptors work the surface through the different stages of the curing process. Trowels and texture brushes, carving tools, and other specialized texturing tools are used at precisely the right moments to shape, soften, deepen, and refine the rockwork. Each stage of the cure presents a different opportunity to manipulate the concrete, allowing the artist to build layers of texture and natural variation into the finished surface. This hands on process is what gives the shotcrete it's convincing, high detailed rock appearance.
Shaping the Boulders
Back at the splash pad, the boulders are taking shape as the structural shotcrete is applied and carefully sculpted to establish their final forms. Each boulder is pre-shaped with their proper contours, elevations, and transitions to prepare the surface for the detailed texture coat that follows.
A Fossil in the Stone
An Ammonite is carefully sculpted into one of the boulders as a small discovery piece-an unexpected detail for children and visitors to discover as they explore the splash pad. Inspired by the ancient fossil record, the Ammonite offers a quiet connection to Natural History and the immense passage of time. Its subtle reminder that the rocks we see to day are part of a much larger story-one that stretches far beyond our own time.
A Nod to the Columbia
The bow of an old paddleboat emerges as a distinctive feature of the Wenatchee Riverfront splash pad, honoring the vessel that once traveled up and down the Columbia River. Designed as a tribute to an important era in the region's history the feature brings a piece of the river's past into a place of play and discovery.
A Paddle-Wheeler Brought to Life
The finished bow of a historic style paddle wheel riverboat is carved entirely from concrete, bringing a tribute to the Columbia River's past into the Wenatchee splash pad. Detailed texturing recreates the appearance of weathered timber from the heavy structural beams to the boats carefully sculpted shiplap side paneling. Each surface is worked to capture the character and grain of wood transforming the Shotcrete into a convincing recreation of an old riverboat.
Splashing into Summer
The completed Wenatchee Splash pad comes alive as children enjoy the water features and spray jets across the play area. With the safety surfacing installed and the riverboat elements finished, the space brings together imaginative play, local history, and refreshing summer fun. Inspired by the Columbia River and the region's heritage, The feature create a welcoming place for families to gather, cool off, and make lasting summer memories.
From Basalt to Apple
The finished Kids Scramble area features sculpted Shotcrete columns inspired by the region's distinctive columnar basalt formations. The climbing route leads to a giant prefabricated red apple play structure, celebrating Wenatchee's renowned apple growing industry and the regions abundant apple harvests. Together, the basalt inspired rock work and oversized apple create an engaging play experience that connects children with the natural geology and agricultural heritage of their community.
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