Kimpton Seafire splash park planned as new children’s amenity

A new splash park at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa designed to be a fun-filled amenity for toddlers to primary school age children was recently approved by the Central Planning Authority.

Incorporating elements of Cayman Islands’ native flora and fauna throughout the design, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa General Manager Steven Andre says the splash pad is intended to appeal to visiting and resident families alike when it opens in fall 2021.

“We are thrilled to add to the engaging experiences at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa with our newest fun zone. It will be an escape for the children and adults alike, offering interactive, water based fun and activities. With the design incorporating itself into our tropical oasis feel and curated landscaping—it will be a tropical forest look from our Ocean View and Ocean Front guest accommodations. International guests and our local residents will all enjoy the programming and activities. The eye-popping colour and graphics, water immersions, and our award-winning service will make it a wow factor as soon as we turn on the waters to splash in!”

Located steps away from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, the design of the play equipment draws inspiration from Cayman’s terrestrial environment.

Dart Interior Designer Gina Powell led design on the project, creating the theme of the main structure.

“One of the key considerations was being mindful of the visual connection to the overall Seafire property. We wanted to create a unique experience that was visually stimulating for children but also aligned with the overall aesthetic of the brand,” Powell says. “It was incredibly special for me as a Caymanian to help create a custom theme design that had a sense of place; a true reflection of the unique natural environment of the Cayman Islands.”

The graphic design on the splash pad structure was created by Dart creative professional Keri Lawrence and includes iconic local creatures like the Blue Iguana and Cayman Parrot, as well as culturally important plants like the Silver Thatch and Wild Banana Orchid.

“As a team, we aimed to incorporate flora and fauna that can be found on island. We wanted the splash park to become a part of the environment and community, we found inspiration through the local plants and animals around us,” Lawrence says. “It was most important to include these aspects of Cayman’s culture because while we wanted to create a fun environment there was also a chance to add in a learning component.”

In addition to the design elements of the splash pad itself, the surrounding landscape design also prioritises native species, in keeping with Dart’s track record of highlighting local flora in its development projects.

Senior Design Manager – Landscape Architecture Nicholas Forari Denney says the addition of a ‘woodland walk’ around the perimeter of the splash pad allows additional opportunities for children and their families to interact with nature.

“We wanted to create a layered play experience rooted in the natural environment that was inclusive of a range of user abilities and interests,” he says. “Woodland walks immerse children in native vegetation and reveal additional play opportunities. To tell the story of the woodland meets shoreline, we have selected trees such as Sea Grape, Birch, and Mahogany. Plantings, including trees, shrubs, and groundcovers, were also selected to help attract native fauna, such as butterflies and birds.”