Celebrating design excellence, safety innovation, and unforgettable aquatic experiences across the globe.
From community splash pads and destination resorts to cruise ships at sea, 2025 was a milestone year for Life Floor. These projects showcase how thoughtful surface design can elevate play value, improve accessibility, reinforce brand identity, and create safer environments for guests of all ages and abilities. Design trends came to life through dynamic hexagon layouts, playful Inlays, intuitive pathways, and interactive hopping and movement activities that invite exploration and encourage active play. Below are our standout projects of the year, each recognized for a unique achievement in design, creativity, or impact.
MOST BOLD GEOMETRIC DESIGN
Fort McDowell Splash Pad
Project Type: Splash Pad
Facility: Fort McDowell Park
Location: Fort McDowell, AZ
Install Date: September 2025
Area: 1257 sq ft (117 m²)
Colors: Submariner, Ocean, Aviator, Turquoise, Seaform, Pomegranate, Goldfish, + Sunshine
Texture: Ripple
Designer: DIG Studio
Custom Features Manufacturer: Waterplay
Certified Installer: Landmark Aquatic
The Fort McDowell Splash Pad serves as a vibrant centerpiece of Fort McDowell Park’s revitalization, enhancing the park experience for families and visitors of all ages. Inspired by tribal art and featuring a dynamic color palette, the Ripple-textured surface balances safety, performance, and visual appeal. The result is a welcoming play environment that delivers cooling relief, joyful movement, and a lasting community gathering place.
Most Whimsical Design
Give Kids the World Village
Project Type: Splash Pad
Facility: Give Kids The World Village
Location: Kissimmee, FL
Install Date: March 2025
Area: 2908 sq ft (270 m²)
Colors: Pomegranate, Platypus, Iris, Goldfish, Sunshine, Limelight, Ocean, Bluebird, Turquoise, Seafoam, Sandbar, Gobi
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: Give Kids The World Village
Certified Installer: Baynum Solutions
Designed around an octopus theme, this joyful splash pad bursts with color and imagination. Tropical Inlays, starfish, shells, bubbles, and surfboards form playful hopping paths that integrate beautifully with existing water features. The result is a magical, accessible environment that aligns perfectly with the Village’s mission of creating unforgettable experiences for children and families.
MOST PLAYFUL DESIGN
Carnival Celebration Key
Project Type: Splash Pad + Wading Pool
Facility: Carnival Celebration Key
Location: Grand Bahama, BAH
Install Date: May 2025
Aquatic Engineer: Martin Aquatic Design
Area: 5079.98 sq ft (471.94 m²)
Main Colors: Aviator, Bluebird, Ocean, + Turquoise
Inlay Colors: Goldfish, Limelight, Platypus, Porcelain, Sunshine, Turquoise, Aviator
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: WhiteWater
Structure Manufacturer: WhiteWater
Certified Installer: Bahamas Environmental Group
This destination-defining project blends vibrant tropical Inlays, interactive games, and flowing transitions between splash pad and wading pool. Featuring hopscotch, maze game, and marine-themed graphics, the design encourages exploration while seamlessly integrating with beachside surroundings. It also marks the first Blue Mar Basins project to feature Life Floor, setting a new benchmark for cruise-adjacent aquatic experiences.
Most Unique Cruise Ship Design
NCL Aqua
Project Type: Aqua Park
Vessel: Norwegian Cruise Line Aqua
Location: At Sea
Install Date: February 2025
Area: 1410 sq ft (131 m²)
Colors: Seafoam, Goldfish, Iris, Platypus, Sunshine
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: Norwegian Cruise Line
Certified Installer: Full Sail Marine
Our most complex cruise ship graphic to date, this installation pushes the boundaries of what's possible at sea. Bold color blocking and intricate detailing transform the Aqua play area into a signature onboard experience, engineered to meet rigorous marine safety standards while delivering standout visual impact.
Best Themed Triangle Gradient
Ocean Park
Project Type: Multi-level Play Structure
Facility: Ocean Park
Location: Hong Kong
Install Date: April 2025
Area: 5,727.9 sq ft (532.14 m²)
Colors: Aviator, Bluebird, Gobi, Lilypad
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: WhiteWater
Custom Features and Structure Manufacturer: WhiteWater
Certified Installer: Bodymaster
Set within one of Asia’s most iconic theme parks, this retrofit transformed an existing splash pad into a bold, immersive play environment. The triangular gradient design feels dynamic and modern, guiding guests visually through the space while echoing Ocean Park’s adventurous spirit. Carefully layered blues, green, and tan to create depth and motion underfoot, while Life Floor’s cushioned, slip-resistant surface enhances safety without compromising aesthetics. The result is a striking example of how geometric patterning can reinforce theming at a global destination.
Best Extension of Multi-Location Brand Consistency
Jellystone Lakes Region
Project Type: Splash Pad
Facility: Jellystone Lakes Region
Location: Lakes Region, New Hampshire, USA
Install Date: May 2025
Area: 6,301 sq ft (585 m²)
Colors: Aqua, Seafoam, Turquoise
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Certified Installer: Headwater Construction Group
This project demonstrates how Life Floor helps multi-location brands maintain a consistent visual identity while adapting to local context. A cohesive aquatic palette and clean layout reinforce Jellystone’s recognizable guest experience across properties, supporting both branding and safety goals.
Most Accessible Design
JCC St. Louis | Staenberg Family Complex
Project Type: Zero Depth Entry + Splash Pad
Facility: Jewish Community Center Staenberg Family Complex
Location: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Install Date: April 2025
Area: 774 sq ft (72 m²)
Colors: Aviator, Bluebird, Ocean, Submariner
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Certified Installer: Landmark Aquatic
Winner of the 2024 Make a SPLASH! Inclusive Design Grant, this project reflects the JCC's deep commitment to accessibility and community connection. A blue hexagon gradient encourages sensory engagement and hopping play, while ADA-compliant Transition Strips create seamless, trip-free entry from surrounding concrete. More than a splash pad, this space supports intergenerational play, sensory exploration, and inclusive programming for guests of all abilities.
Most EYE-CATCHING Patterning at Sea
MSC World America
Project Type: Multi-Level Play Structure Splash Pad
Vessel: MSC Cruises — World America
Location: At Sea
Install Date: March 2025
Area: 4,420 sq ft (410.6 m²)
Colors: Aqua, Ocean, Aviator, Platypus, Goldfish, Sunshine, Limelight
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: YSA Design
Installer: FMC Design
Stripes, polka dots, and vibrant hues come together in a fearless geometric composition that feels energetic from every angle. Designed for a multi-level structure, the flooring enhances wayfinding, play flow, and safety, proving bold design can thrive even in the most technically demanding environments.
Best Theming Paired with Features
Drury Plaza Hotel
Project Type: Splash Pad
Facility: Drury Plaza Hotel
Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, USA
Install Date: July 2025
Area: 423 sq ft (39 m²)
Colors: Evergreen, Olive, Sepia, Tiki
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Certified Installer: Landmark Aquatic
Earthy tones, hexagon tiles, and woodland Inlays, maple leaves, acorns, and tree stumps bring a cozy wilderness theme to life. Thoughtfully paired with play features, this compact splash pad feels immersive and inviting, perfectly aligned with the surrounding mountain-inspired hospitality experience.
MOST PATRIOTIC
Wet Zone
Project Type: Splash Pad
Facility: Wet Zone
Location: Rowlett, Texas, USA
Install Date: May 2025
Area: 3,000 sq ft (278.7 m²)
Colors: Submariner, Pomegranate, Porcelain
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer & Features: Waterplay
Certified Installer: Landmark Aquatic
Bold curves and a red, white, and blue palette give this splash pad unmistakable character. Integrated seamlessly with Waterplay’s features, the design celebrates civic pride while delivering a highly engaging and safe play environment for families throughout the summer.
Best Branding Reflected in a Floor
Margaritaville — Kansas City
Best Branding Reflected in a Floor
Project Type: Zero-Depth Entry
Facility: Margaritaville
Location: Kansas City, Kansas, USA
Install Date: August 2025
Area: 291 sq ft (27 m²)
Colors: Aqua, Seafoam, Turquoise
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: The McBride Company
Certified Installer: Landmark Aquatic
Surf-inspired Inlays, hibiscus flowers, palm trees, beach chairs, and compasses -bring the Margaritaville lifestyle directly underfoot. This zero-depth entry proves that even the smallest aquatic spaces can reinforce brand identity through thoughtful surface design.
Best Cultural Design Reflection
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Project Type: Splash Pad
Facility: Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
Location: Denarau Island, Fiji
Install Date: April 2025
Area: 1399.31 sq ft (130 m²)
Colors: Aviator, Bluebird, Sunshine, Goldfish
Texture: Ripple 2.0
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: Replica of existing design
Installer: Maurer Construction Tiling
Inspired by regional patterns and resort aesthetics, this culturally significant design blends seamlessly into its tropical setting. Life Floor’s surface enhances safety while preserving the artistic integrity of the original concept.
MOST REFINED THEMING
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Project Type: Splash Pads
Facility: Hurricane Harbor
Location: Arlington, TX
Install Date: July 2, 2025
Total Area: 8013 sq ft (745 m²)
Multi-Level Play Structure: 6896 sq ft (641 m²)
Splash Pad: 1117 sq ft (104 m²)
Colors: Turquoise, Porcelain, Sandbar
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Certified Installer: Baynum Solutions
Life Floor surfaces unify two distinct aquatic play areas within the park, a large, multi-level play structure with slides and a separate splash pad designed for younger guests. Flowing curved layouts beneath towering attractions and a cohesive palette of Turquoise, Porcelain, and Sandbar create visual continuity across both zones, while delivering slip-resistant performance built for high-traffic waterpark environments.
Most Colorful Design
Gabby’s Dollhouse at American Dream
Project Type: Splash Pad
Facility: Gabby’s Dollhouse at American Dream
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Install Date: January 2025
Area: 4,366 sq ft (406 m²)
Colors: Evergreen, Lilypad, Limelight, Turquoise, Seafoam, Ocean, Aviator, Iris, Pomegranate, Platypus, Goldfish, Sunshine
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: Martin Aquatic Design & Engineering
Installer: Whirl
This vibrant, theme-driven environment showcases the creative power of Life Floor Murals. Custom florals, bold color transitions, and playful themes, developed in close collaboration with the Life Floor Studio creative team, American Dream, and Martin Aquatic Design, deliver an immersive experience for guests of all ages.
BEST Use of a Gradient
Fayette Aquatic Center
Project Type: Splash Pad
Facility: Fayette Aquatic Center
Location: Fayette, Alabama, USA
Install Date: May 2025
Area: 3,687 sq ft (343 m²)
Colors: Aviator, Bluebird, Breeze, Ocean, Submariner
Texture: Ripple
Thickness: 3/8” (10 mm)
Designer: Life Floor Studio
Installer: Baynum Solutions
Awarded the 2024 Make a SPLASH! Need-Based Grant, Fayette Aquatic Center received a long-awaited safety and design upgrade. The original painted concrete, worn after decades of use, was replaced with Life Floor’s cushioned tiles, dramatically reducing slip-and-fall risk. A refreshing hexagon gradient breathes new life into the beloved splash pad while preserving its role as the heart of the community. This project exemplifies how smart resurfacing can honor legacy while preparing a space for decades of future play.
Looking Ahead
Each of these projects reflects Life Floor’s mission: to create safer, more inclusive, and more imaginative aquatic environments worldwide. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue partnering with communities, designers, and global brands to bring stories to life, one surface at a time.