JCC St. Louis | Staenberg Family Complex

In 2024, we hosted our fifth annual Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest to award two deserving organizations in the United States an all-expenses-paid splash pad surface. One award was for a facility that exemplified inclusive design principles, and the other was need-based for a deserving community that met specific benchmark criteria.

We received some incredible applications and out of many impactful entries, one rose to the front. The Inclusive Design Award winner was the Jewish Community Center (JCC)’s Staenberg Family Complex in St. Louis, Missouri. The STL JCC has an incredible commitment to inclusive programming that serves everyone everyone in their community; from kids learning how to swim for the first time to people with disabilities enjoying water play.

Our 2024 entrants chose from six concepts that would be tailored to fit their project scope and the JCC chose a geometric Hexagon gradient that uses blue colors and Inlays from several sets that match their existing spray features. Hexagons are a design-forward way for kids to engage in hopping activities and for families to enjoy the space. The splash pad is encircled by Transition Strips which provide ADA accessible entry and eliminates trip hazards from the surrounding concrete substrate.

In an article published by the St. Louis Jewish Light, the JCC team comments, “This new splash pad will give our little ones a safe and playful way to explore, learn and grow,” said Michelle Almengor, the J’s director of early childhood and family engagement. The J’s splash pads—located both at the Staenberg campus and the Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield—have long been a hub for families, J day campers and early childhood center children. The upgrades are expected to create an even more inclusive environment by supporting sensory exploration, physical development and intergenerational play. ‘We are so excited for this state-of-the-art splash pad to better enhance our member experience and safety at the J,’ said Heather Cheseman, aquatics director at the J. Leaders at the J say the enhancements are about more than just water play. They reflect the J’s broader mission to foster connection and community while promoting inclusion for people of all ages and abilities.”

We can’t wait to hear the stories of how this project will continue to uplift the ways people with all abilities play at the JCC in St. Louis, Missouri. Thank you to the JCC staff for entering our contest and for trusting us to surface your splash pad!

Before and After

Project Highlights

Facility: Jewish Community Center (JCC), 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)
Installer: Landmark Aquatic

Recent Projects