ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Hello all.  I lead the development of a Water World exhibit a few years ago,
and flooring was one of the major issues we had to deal with.  Rubber tiles
with drainage holes were found to be expensive and potential breeding
grounds for microorganisms.  Spray-on truck bed liner was an option, but in
our trials, once wet, it was very slippery. We decided to go with an epoxy
floor, containing aluminum oxide particles ("grit")to provide traction.  We
created a "berm" out of plywood, smoothed and coated with epoxy, to keep the
water confined to the area.  The epoxy was sloped slightly to the lowest
spot in the area, where a drain hole was cut through the concrete.  We
thought that we could always install rubberized flooring over top if need be
(it wasn't needed in the end).

After several years, it still worked well - water was contained; wheelchairs
and scooters could drive over the berm; traction was quite good for feet.
The only issue is that kids could get "road rash" if they ran in the area
and wiped out (not many incidents of that though).  The area was relatively
easy to clean with a hose &/or pressure sprayer.

Some of the pitfalls: the slope was too gradual, and puddles would appear on
occasion.  This meant some kids pant cuffs were getting wet.  Very few
reports of slippage that I am aware of.  On occasion little ones would want
to climb into the colourful water basins, but no major incidents occurred.
I appreciate the hesitancy of some folks to venture into the world of water
play, but the responses from both children and adults are very rewarding.
Much imagining, much playing, much learning.  Very worthwhile.

George Wurtak
[log in to unmask]
Winnipeg, Canada


Date:    Wed, 7 Sep 2005 11:11:15 -0700
From:    "Glenn A. Walsh" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: water area

 I have seen these water areas in Science Centers and
Children's Museums. I have always thought that they
are an accident waiting to happen.

Of course, they are popular with children. However, I
would never have a public water area without constant
staff supervision while it is open to the public.

And, parents should also be attending their children
when using the water area. However, from a liability
standpoint, I would never rely solely on parent
supervision in such a water area.

gaw

--- Patricia Verheyden <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:
Date: Mon, 22 Aug 2005 09:32:36 +0200
From: "Patricia Verheyden" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: water area
To: [log in to unmask]
>
> I am really looking forward to a change of subject
> too.
> So hereby I'll introduce a new question:
>
> We are going to renew our water area next year. New
> water bassins, new exhibits and new flooring.
> At present we have a gutter around the water bassin,
> covered with a wooden grid.
> The floor itself is a resin, water proof and
> finished  with a (supposedly) anti slip layer (a
> transparant coating with small irregularities in
> it).
>
> We are not really satisfied about this floor: the
> gutter is cleaned once a week but the wood is heavy
> to lift out, the floor does get slippery when wet
> and is difficult to clean beacuse of the
> irregaularities.
>
> So we are looking for a better solution.
> Any suggestions on good, easy to maintain water
> flooring? or comments on flooring you are not
> satisfied about?
>
>
> best regards,
>
> Patricia
>
> Patricia Verheyden
> Manager of exhibits
> Technopolis, the Flemish Science Center
>

***********************************************************************
More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org.
To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
[log in to unmask]