“Beyond the Surface” is Life Floor’s ongoing blog series dedicated to showcasing aquatic surfacing as both an art and a science. We highlight real-world projects, interview industry leaders, and share tips to create safer, more beautiful spaces for guests of all ages.
Life Floor Wins Meaningful Capitalism Award 2025
We're thrilled to announce that Life Floor has been awarded the 2025 Meaningful Capitalism Award by Platinum Group! This recognition celebrates companies that achieve financial success and make a tangible, positive impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Within the application, we not only shared financial metrics, but also how we impact our community in thoughtful ways. Some highlights include our philanthropic efforts, industry-leading certifications, and the numerous organizations we regularly support. We also shared how our core values inform our practices and how we seek employee feedback in everything we do through qualitative and quantitative measures.
We’re constantly pushing toward innovation to improve what we can offer our customers, partners, and end-users. For example, we’ve invested over $2M over the last 5 years to develop our products to last even longer in any climate or aquatic environment. Our goal is not to be the only safety surface on the market, but we do strive to be the best through innovation, collaboration, excellence, and integrity.
“Life Floor, stands out for its commitment to safety, accessibility, and design excellence in aquatic environments. Their innovative flooring solutions enhance the well-being of countless families, embodying the very essence of Meaningful Capitalism.”
Jonathan Keller, CEO and Founder of Life Floor
In his acceptance speech, CEO of Life Floor, Jonathan Keller shares, “I was at a conference a couple of weeks ago, where I heard a quote from John Mark Comer that really struck me, ‘We’re called to a very specific kind of work. To make a Garden-like world where image bearers can flourish and thrive, where people can experience and enjoy God’s generous love. A kingdom where God’s will is done ‘on earth as it is in heaven,’ where the glass wall between earth and heaven is so thin and clear and translucent that you don’t even remember it’s there.’ This struck me, because I believe that honest, meaningful work is an act of worship. God created us and everything in this universe. God is the owner of everything, and we are the stewards entrusted to be fruitful and exercise dominion over the earth. Ultimately as business owners and leaders, we are called to create environments where Heaven and Earth collide. For Life Floor, it just so happens that the little niche where we, at Life Floor, get to do that is aquatic safety surfacing, which also happens to be a lot of fun.”
The Life Floor Team, January 2025
Keller continues, “at Life Floor we believe all aquatic spaces should be safe, beautiful, and inclusive to all people. That’s our ‘why’, which is important to meaningful, or, what I think of as redemptive capitalism. The ‘how’ you do business and the ‘who’ are also quite important.”
“When my 3 other co-founders and I founded this business 14 years ago, the Meaningful Capitalism Award didn’t exist, but the passion and naivete of 24-year-old millennials did. We wanted to create a business that would make a return, but also make a difference. We wanted to work at a company where we enjoyed our colleagues and learned from them. We wanted a place where people who interacted with us—our investors, our suppliers, our partners, our customers—knew that they mattered.”
“Starting up a company takes a lot of work. Creating a market for a product takes a lot of work. All that work can be seen as a burden or a privilege, but ultimately, I see it as one of my highest honors to be able to love people well through our work. I see it as our job to help make that collision of heaven and earth a reality in our companies.”
Our team mascot is the bison. Unlike cows who run from the storm and end up being in the worst of it for longer, bison face the storm head on and charge into it because they know better weather is on the other side. We encourage our team members to be like bison. Even though conversations may be difficult or new regulations might mean we have to pivot our products, we will embrace the unknown and charge into it together as a team.
At Life Floor, we strive to integrate our lives with our work in order to make a difference in other people’s lives. Despite being a niche company in a niche industry, we strive each day to be a force for positive, meaningful change. We encourage other organizations to be bold in their efforts to bring about positive impact and to embrace difficult situations, because that is how we learn and grow as a community.
We extend a sincere thank you to Randy Kroll for nominating Life Floor and believing in our mission, values, and the strength we bring to the aquatics industry.
The award ceremony took place on May 6, 2025, where Life Floor was honored alongside other exemplary companies: All In One Accounting, Structures Inc., and True North Family of Companies.
Why Moms Love Life Floor: Stories of Safety, Comfort, + Joy
Moms know that when it comes to their kids, safety is everything. That’s why more and more families are seeking out splash pads, aquatic centers, and waterparks with Life Floor. Designed to be slip-resistant, cushioned, and cool underfoot, Life Floor transforms the water play experience—giving moms peace of mind while letting their kids explore, run, crawl, and splash without fear of injury. From first crawls to multigenerational play, these real stories show how Life Floor is helping families connect with more comfort and less stress.
Ready, Set, Splash: Pre-Season Tips for Life Floor Facilities
Life Floor: Proudly Made in the U.S.A. – Honoring Our South Dakota Roots
At Life Floor, our work is driven by our core values:
People First – From children at play to staff in aquatic facilities, we put people's safety and comfort at the center of everything we do.
Impact Driven – We design for meaningful change, improving the built environment and setting new standards for what safety looks and feels like.
Collaborative by Nature – Our team works hand-in-hand with clients, designers, and contractors to bring visionary spaces to life.
Always with Integrity – We stand behind our product and process with transparency, accountability, and pride.
These values are at the heart of our South Dakota facility and every project we support. We're proud to say that Life Floor is Made in the U.S.A.—and made for the world.
How Waterbom Bali + Life Floor Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
In celebration of Earth Day, we’re highlighting a Life Floor project that proves eco-conscious fun is possible. Waterbom Bali is a water park unlike any other, where sustainability is built into everything – from solar-powered systems and upcycled design to safe, soft play surfaces made with kids (and the planet) in mind. Learn how Waterbom is setting a global example, one splash at a time.
Spring Break Waterpark Bucket List
Spring Break is here, and whether you're dreaming of a tropical cruise, a thrilling waterpark adventure, or a relaxing resort getaway, Life Floor has left its mark on some of the most exciting destinations in the world. To celebrate, we asked our team: If you could visit any Life Floor project for Spring Break, which one would it be and why?
Their answers highlight some of our most popular installations, offering plenty of inspiration for your next aquatic adventure!
Top Life Floor Destinations for Spring Break
Icon of the Seas – The Ultimate Cruise Adventure
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas topped the list for several employees, and it's easy to see why! This brand-new cruise ship is packed with adventure, featuring massive water slides, endless entertainment, and even a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, where Life Floor enhances the safety and comfort of its world-class water attractions.
"I've been dying to sail on Icon of the Seas to experience Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship. As an added bonus, it would stop at CocoCay, which features Life Floor as well. Even better if it also stopped at Nassau, home to Baha Bay – the most beautiful waterpark I’ve ever visited!"
”I think any cruise ship would be incredibly fun to visit with kids. You don't have to worry about packing up a car every day; you just leave the room and explore.”
Baha Bay at Baha Mar – The Perfect Tropical Escape
For a more relaxing getaway, Baha Bay at Baha Mar in the Bahamas offers a mix of thrills and tranquility. With Life Floor featured throughout the park, visitors can enjoy the beauty of a luxury resort with the safety and comfort of our slip-resistant surfaces.
"Baha Bay would be the perfect spot for a couples' getaway – relaxing at a tropical resort and enjoying the beautiful waterslides."
Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast – A Thrill-Seeker’s Dream
Australia is a dream Spring Break destination, and Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast stands out as an employee favorite. With its thrilling waterslides and sprawling aquatic play areas, this park offers something for everyone. Plus, exploring Australia for the first time is an adventure in itself!
"I've always wanted to go to Australia, and Queensland has so much to do!"
Aqua Nick – Family Fun with a Splash of Nostalgia
Looking for a kid-friendly Spring Break destination? Aqua Nick, located at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, brings favorite cartoon characters to life with a massive water play structure, making it a dream destination for families.
"I think my kids would have the most fun at Aqua Nick, given the SpongeBob theming and the giant WhiteWater play structure."
Jellystone Parks – A Laid-Back Camping & Waterpark Combo
Jellystone Park Resorts offers the perfect mix of camping and water fun for those who love the great outdoors. Whether you're road-tripping with friends or looking for a family-friendly adventure, Jellystone’s splash pads and water play areas (featuring Life Floor!) offer a fun and safe way to cool off.
"I like camping, and Jellystone would be a great spot to visit with friends!"
“I can’t imagine a better trip for our family, enjoying nature and a waterpark!”
Life Floor: Elevating Every Aquatic Destination
No matter where Spring Break takes you, Life Floor is proud to enhance some of the most exciting aquatic destinations worldwide. From cruise ships to waterparks and resorts, our surfaces provide safety, comfort, and a touch of luxury to every adventure.
Where would you go for Spring Break?
Life Floor + Landmark Aquatic Announce Partnership Through the Registered Aquatic Partner Program
Sar Ko Par Aquatic Center, Life Floor + Landmark Aquatic Project
Life Floor, the industry leader in aquatic safety surfacing, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Landmark Aquatic through its Registered Aquatic Partner (RAP) Program. This one-year agreement, effective February 5, 2025, establishes Landmark Aquatic as a trusted partner in promoting Life Floor’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation in aquatic environments.
As a Registered Aquatic Partner, Landmark Aquatic upholds Life Floor’s core values, brand standards, quality expectations, and knowledge principles. Through this partnership, Landmark Aquatic will enhance its ability to deliver superior aquatic solutions by integrating Life Floor’s award-winning, NSF-certified, slip-resistant flooring into their projects.
Belterra Community Splash, Life Floor + Landmark Aquatic Project
“We are thrilled to welcome Landmark Aquatic into our RAP Program,” said MaryAnn Eifert, Director of Registered Aquatic Partnerships and Training at Life Floor. “Their dedication to excellence in aquatic design, construction, and maintenance aligns perfectly with our mission to create safer, more enjoyable aquatic spaces. We look forward to collaborating on innovative projects that set new industry standards.”
“Partnering with Life Floor was a core decision in building Landmark’s portfolio of great partner companies,” said Jessica Mahoney, Vice President of Marketing for Landmark Aquatic. “Their commitment to innovation, and the highest standard of quality, emulates perfectly what we at Landmark strive to deliver to our customers at every level of service. We are proud to be associated with a company and product that delivers so much ‘colorful fun and functionality’ in aquatics.”
Blue Surf Bay Waterpark, Life Floor + Landmark Aquatic Project
Upon completion of the initial one-year partnership term on December 31, 2025, Landmark Aquatic will have the opportunity to enter into a three-year partnership agreement, further solidifying the relationship between the two companies.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Life Floor + Landmark Aquatic Project
About Life Floor
Life Floor is a revolutionary aquatic safety surface designed to make water play areas safer, more comfortable, and visually stunning. Engineered for wet environments, our soft, slip-resistant flooring provides a cushioned, non-abrasive surface that helps prevent slips and falls, ensuring a safer experience for guests of all ages. As the trusted choice for water parks, pools, splash pads, and cruise ships worldwide, Life Floor is NSF-certified, UV-stable, and built to withstand the harshest aquatic conditions while maintaining vibrant colors and long-lasting durability.
With an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and safety, Life Floor partners with architects, designers, and aquatic professionals to create custom solutions that enhance the form and function of every aquatic space. Our mission is simple: to transform aquatic environments into safer, more beautiful spaces where people can confidently enjoy the water.
About Landmark Aquatic
Delivering Excellence at Every Stage
Landmark Aquatic is committed to excellence at every stage of commercial aquatic development and care. With offices in key metro areas across the U.S., Landmark Aquatic is uniquely positioned to deliver top-tier aquatic solutions nationwide. They uphold the highest standards of quality and service, offering innovative design, engineering, construction, renovation, restoration, and ongoing maintenance to ensure facilities operate safely and efficiently. Their factory-trained Certified Pool Operators (CPOs) provide unmatched expertise in aquatic system operation and care, delivering reliability and confidence with every project. At Landmark Aquatic, they take pride in making their mark on the industry—one exceptional project at a time.
Stunning Life Floor Projects Featuring Pomegranate & Platypus
Safety + Beyond: The Benefits of Life Floor in Aquatic Facilities
Exploring Innovation and Collaboration in Florida
Life Floor's Top Projects of 2024
Happy Holidays from the Life Floor Team!
Life Floor Make a SPLASH! Grant Program: Celebrating the 2024 Winners
Yas Waterworld Unveils Refreshed Waterpark and Splash Pad
The 2024 renovation at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi, led by WhiteWater, showcases a newly designed splash pad and an updated waterpark area with over 13,000 square feet of Life Floor surfacing. This revitalized water experience, equipped with vibrant Life Floor Inlays, brings a fresh aesthetic and added functionality to the park.
Splash Pad Design: Adding Inlays and Games
The vibrant splash pad uses the surface as a key thematic feature. A striking blue river courses down the pattern's center, bordered by sandy shores and thriving greenery. Bright pops of color are interspersed via Inlays from our Pond and Outdoor Exploration sets to enhance the attraction's theme and add a fun search-and-find style game. A hopscotch board designed into the Life Floor surface provides more traditional play opportunities and expands the possibilities for different play styles.
Marah Fortress: RainFortress by WhiteWater
At Marah Fortress, WhiteWater's RainFortress structure offers guests an immersive experience with desert palace-inspired theming that aligns beautifully with the local landscape. The design features geometric paneling on the platforms that resemble stained glass and strategically placed boulders to add elevated natural elements. Beneath the RainFortress, a Life Floor pattern starts at the center with a sand-colored island motif and radiates outward with teal tones rippling like waves.
A larger-than-life turtle graphic was designed into the Life Floor surface as a navigational tool, guiding guests on where to stand when the thrilling dump bucket is about to be released.
Nearby, a prominent 7-meter dolphin reflects a similar visual signal as an area where families with children can relax and engage with quieter ground sprays. Smaller standard Inlays encourage movement, such as the brightly colored fish leading away from slide exits and back to the entry point to keep the fun going all day.
DURABILITY MADE FOR THE SCORCHING HEAT
Imagine the hottest conditions on earth. Standing on the equator in peak summer UV, during a solstice, in full sunlight. Then, stay there for 750 hours straight. That’s the rigorous testing our tiles withstand as they’re certified for UV Resistance in accordance with NSF/ANSI/CAN 50. And that’s not all - they also have to pass slip-resistance and impact absorption testing after UV tests are complete.
“Life Floor brings a wow factor to the area, which helps better area utilization even in those corners where there are less features on the structure as the guests would relax on the floor and probably not even need sunbeds.”
Life Floor: Enhancing Guest Experience
According to Lijo Jose of WhiteWater, Life Floor has transformed the space by maximizing guest interaction and comfort, even in quieter corners of the waterpark where features may be fewer. The soft, inviting Life Floor surface encourages guests to relax directly on the flooring, making it an integral part of the waterpark experience.
Aquatics is for everyone regardless of age, ability, or play style. We hear from venues all the time that guests stay longer and rave about the amenities where Life Floor is installed. Caretakers feel invited to get on their kids’ level with our cushioned tiles and truly feel like they can play too.
Whether its sitting and relaxing while surrounded by small floor jets or frolicking through dueling water cannons - our surfaces promote positive experiences and people can play boundlessly as they were meant to do.
The 2024 renovation at Yas Waterworld, with Marah Fortress and the revitalized Splash Pad, celebrates the regional culture and innovative play, making it a must-visit attraction in Abu Dhabi.
To discover how Life Floor can refresh your venue and skyrocket guest experience, ask us for a complementary design rendering and get started on your project!
2023 Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest Inclusive Design Winner: Morgan's Inspiration Island
Life Floor Wins 3 Leading Edge Awards from the World Waterpark Association
We’re honored to win three Leading Edge Awards from the World Waterpark Association for our work on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, Meryal Waterpark, and Blue Surf Bay Waterpark! These projects show the elevated design aesthetic that can be achieved with our triangle gradients.
Keep reading to learn more about each of these award-winning destinations.
Photo provided courtesy of Royal Caribbean.
ICON OF THE SEAS
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
Our surfaces enhance 7,961 sq ft (740 sq m) of space across four amenities onboard Icon of the Seas. Vibrant triangle gradients complement the colors on play structures and contribute to elevated theming across the vessel. This project marks the 14th Royal Caribbean destination Life Floor surfaces.
This iconic vessel features our key partners Martin Aquatic Design and Engineering and FlowRider.
Meryal Waterpark
Qatar, Doha
This record-breaking waterpark created by WhiteWater, in collaboration with Qetaifan Projects and Water Technology, Inc., boasts many firsts. A blue toned triangle gradient creates an oasis motif complementing the surrounding arid landscape. This thematic amenity provides a pleasant space for families to cool off in the hot Qatar sun.
Blue Surf Bay Waterpark
Blue Springs, Missouri, USA
Blue Surf Bay Waterpark is a stunning indoor and outdoor facility constructed as an expansion to the Blue Springs, Missouri Fieldhouse in 2024. From a year-round indoor space to seasonal outdoor offerings, this comprehensive aquatic center has something for everyone to enjoy!
This meaningful project highlights many of our partners and industry friends including Water Technology, Inc., SFS Architecture, Landmark Aquatic, LLC., McCownGordon Construction, Waterplay, NinjaCross, and Splashtacular, LLC.
Plus, congrats to our partner, WhiteWater, for their award for The Rise of Icarus at Mt. Olympus Waterpark!
MT. OLYMPUS WATERPARK
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, USA
Mt. Olympus Waterpark immerses guests with a Greek mythology theme complete with elements like colonnades, Greek iconography, and tailored attraction names. June 2024 marked the completion of the outdoor kids’ area which boasts America’s tallest waterslide, The Rise of Icarus, designed and built by WhiteWater.
To learn how to get Life Floor’s award-winning surfaces specified and installed at your project, start a conversation with our team. We would love to collaborate with you to make your dream into a reality.
Experience at Every Scale with Jesse Muller of Perry-Becker Design
V3 Sports Center: Elevating North Minneapolis Aquatics
V3 Sports Center serves North Minneapolis, MN and has a mission to “elevate our community through wellness, fitness, and education.” North Minneapolis is a historically underinvested community. According to V3’s research, “In 2019, 54% of the population was Non-White and 20% of the population under the age of 18. In the immediate area of The V3 Center, young adults under 18 make up roughly 40% of the population.” The V3 Sports Center was built in a prominent location and can be seen from downtown Minneapolis and Interstate 94. It has bus line service to further increase accessibility of the facility for the neighborhood.
A generational lack of swimming skills can become a cyclical problem and the first step towards ending those cycles is to provide access. This facility chose to go beyond a simple space by creating a true community hub. With nearly 12,000 kids within walking distance, they implemented thoughtful resources and spaces to engage, transform, and elevate the lives of kids in North Minneapolis. Programs include the John W Hardeman III Boys and Girls Club, summer camps, swimming lessons, childcare, and more. Their aquatics department offers several programs: Swim 2 Learn, Swim 2 Earn, Pool Play, and Open Pool.
All windows looking into the pool area can be fully closed with blinds to allow for greater privacy. This serves populations such as Muslim women who need modesty accommodations to swim. V3 Sports Center provides specific times for Muslim women and others who need privacy to freely enjoy the pool amenities.
“I will say my favorite story is, since we opened June 22, when I was driving down Plymouth Avenue, and I saw the kids from the Northside Development Center, which is two blocks away from here during their summer camp, walking down to the V3 Center to do lessons. And this particular day, it was their celebration of finishing their six weeks of lessons. We celebrate them at the end of the six weeks. And with that being said, it was just such a good example of why we’re here. Being able to have a space and place in the community where the kids of Northside Development Center can walk here, get quality lessons in a world-class facility, celebrate, and be excited about what they’ve accomplished, all within their neighborhood. I think that was just a beautiful collaboration between our two organizations, which Northside Development Center is a part of Catholic Charities. Early on around aquatics, it’s all about the accessibility, the proximity, and the community collaborations that are happening to benefit people like Northside families.
”
Beyond the incredible activity programming, V3 Sports creates meaningful employment opportunities for residents. “While there are countless non-profit organizations working to create economic stability, job opportunities, education equality and neighborhood revitalization, the unemployment rate in North Minneapolis is twice the rate of the rest of the city, and even worse for Black men. While the poverty rate is 15% for the White community in North Minneapolis, it is 42% for the Black community.”
In an interview with us in August 2024, Malik Rucker, Executive Director, commented, “We're up to about 70 jobs. Just last year, we only had about 8. So, we went from 8 to 70 in a year, which is affecting families. It's providing careers right here in the neighborhood, and those are some of the things that I'm super excited about, and we're only in the first few months.”
“The Life Floor gives life to the pool and to the space. A lot of times when you see tile, it’s not as exciting, but having this with the pops of color has allowed us to not have to do as much on the walls. We let the floor lead the way and it’s a beautiful space. I haven’t seen anybody fall or slip, and we know people are going to run. The investment is worth it just by reducing the slips and when people do slip, they’re not hitting the ground as hard. It’s aesthetically pleasing, it definitely lightens up the space, and it works well with the natural light that’s coming in at the corner of Plymouth and Lyndale. The most input I get is just how beautiful it is. People notice it. They touch the ground and try to see how soft it is and if they’re gonna slip. It’s a beautiful addition. ”
“I’m just excited to continue to see families come together. It’s a family space. It’s a destination. There aren’t many spaces in North Minneapolis that the entire family can go to.”
The facility’s architect is LSE Architecture, a Black-owned architecture firm. For their work on this project, they were awarded alongside V3 Sports Center with the AIA Minnesota Merit Award and the Michael L. Schrock Award. Building was completed by RJM Construction.
On a granular level, this fitness center is a great example of a phased project approach. V3 Sports Center completed $26M phase 1 in 2024, prioritizing amenities that would best serve the community. Two selections included a 6 lane 25-meter pool and hydrotherapy pool with Life Floor surfaces. This center now has the first indoor lap pool serving North Minneapolis with multifunctional use for swimming lessons, exercise, and summer camps. Phase 2 will cost approximately $100M and will include an Olympic size 50-meter pool, STEAM programming, and a technology center.
We’re proud to be part of this incredible fitness center located just 4 miles from our U.S. Headquarters. A sincere thank you to the team at V3 Sports for bringing the V3 Sports Center to life and investing in our community. We look forward to your continued success elevating and transforming the lives of thousands.
2023 MAKE A SPLASH! GRANT CONTEST NEED-BASED WINNER INSTALLATION: John Anderson Park
John Anderson Park in Grandview, Missouri received Life Floor’s 2023 Need-Based Make a SPLASH! Grant. Its surfacing, covering 1,287 sq ft in a vibrant Treasure Hunt design, includes custom triangle gradients and playful inlays like marine motifs. Ground sprays and interactive sound elements encourage imaginative, inclusive play for the whole community.