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The criteria for theme park washrooms are somewhat different from your ordinary commercial wash space. A delicate balancing act is required between impressive durability, easy-clean functionality, and impressive, family friendly aesthetics. Theme parks see a huge amount of footfall so you need to be clever not only with the use of space but the flow in which users will use your facilities.
Here we take a look at some of the most important aspects of the theme park washroom:
Be Bold With Colour
Playing into the characters and setting of your theme park is a given and bespoke decals and artwork are an obvious choice. However, to achieve strong continuity you'll need to plan and balance colour from the very beginning. It’s at the floor covering and wall cladding stage where you can set the tone and atmosphere of the space. This isn’t an environment for plain white walls and subtle colour from detailing, but for those concerned about heavy colour and how it may make a room feel dark, then spare thought for the floor covering. Anti-slip safety flooring is available in a range of colours and can add real interest to a room. Another thing to remember is that not all walls need to be covered in artwork or colour. So if you are concerned about lighting, then perhaps opt to use colour on just one of the walls.
Cubicles have come a long way since the dark old days and you can now have them fabricated in an incredible array of colours and shades. Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) is perhaps the most popular choice in this setting due to it being completely impervious to water, making it our most durable option. SGL can be used to create custom toilet cubicles as well as vanity units and wall cladding. This means that when using SGL you can be sure of complete continuity of colour and achieve a seamless connection between different surfaces.
Durability: It’s Not All Stainless Steel These Days
Rugged durability is high on the theme park washroom agenda, but that doesn’t mean everything has to be stainless steel and concrete. Anti-vandal options today take on all kinds of sleek and slender design and include materials that, to the eye, look no different from the modern designed washroom facilities found in homes and hotels.
However, durability needs to cover in several ways. First and foremost, you want to remove the risk for vandalism and accidental damage. The easiest way to tackle this from the outset is to conceal as much pipework as possible. This is usually the most fragile element in a washroom, and also the one that can cause you the most problems if damaged. Many urinals are designed to have the pipework integrated within, which not only protects them but makes the unit easier to clean and sanitise.
Moving parts need to be kept to a minimum too as with prolonged constant use they can wear out or fail, meaning time consuming maintenance and reinstallation. Sensor activation is something most commercial wash spaces are turning to to combat this problem, as the technology makes usability of the washroom easier and improves hygiene significantly.
Easy Clean Options
Making your facilities easy to clean should be at the forefront of planning. If a space is easier to clean, then the number of man-hours required to service them is reduced. This can mean productivity and financial savings across the site. Making the decision to go for hand dryers over paper towels cuts down on physical waste significantly. This not only removes the need to keep dispensers topped up, but also means bins need to be emptied less often. Wall hung toilets are also a sensible move as a mop or brush can be pushed underneath the pan in one swift move and there are less creases cracks or crevices for bacteria to hide.
Map Out The Flow of Users
Give thought to the flow of users. At peak times when footfall is at its highest, you don't want users clogging up the space and causing long wait times, especially when tired or excited children are concerned. Think about the journey a user has in the washroom. Is there a clear flow from cubicle, to wash basin, to dryer, then exit? If not, the use of space needs to be reconsidered. The last thing you want is people having to criss-cross the room to visit facilities.
Consider The Whole Family
Baby changing facilities are now requisite in both male and female washrooms and ample space should be given not just for the changing unit, but a space to perch a changing bag. In this family friendly environment, you should avoid pull down changing units and go for something more durable and permanent. In many theme parks, the baby changing facilities are often in their own unisex space where families can use them together. This enables a parent to change one child, whilst still keeping a close eye on another child who may still need help using the bathroom. The take-home here is that if you make the day easy for the parents, they’ll come back.
Accessibility For All
Naturally, accessibility will be considered at every turn throughout a theme park and the washroom is no exception. Both ambulant and disabled washrooms will be required and Doc-M packs make fitting them out very easy. However, thought should be given to other disabilities that are not always visible. In accessible washrooms you may choose to go for paper hand towels as the sound of hand dryers can have a negative effect on children and adults suffering from autism. In some instances, you may also give thought for changing tables and hoists for older disabled children and adults.
If you would like to discuss your commercial washroom project or have any questions regarding the information above, please give us a call on 01202 650900.
The criteria for theme park washrooms are somewhat different to your ordinary commercial wash space...
