Twenty-five years ago, our journey began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to serve and enrich communities through thoughtful, well-designed aquatic spaces. Today, that same purpose continues to guide our work. As we mark this milestone, we take pride in all we’ve accomplished throughout the years. From splash pads and fountains to water parks and Olympic-sized pools, each project reflects our team’s shared commitment to accessibility, safety, sustainability, and community well-being. These aquatic spaces offer more than a place to cool off; they bring people together to create lasting memories and strengthen the places we call home.
Since Waters Edge was founded in 2000, the aquatic industry has seen significant growth and innovation. Comparing our early projects with our recent work, it’s evident that more communities are prioritizing modern aquatics offerings. Enhanced amenities, accessibility for all ages and abilities, and expanded aquatic programming have become major focus areas in the design of new and renovated aquatic facilities. Contemporary amenities such as lazy rivers, specialty slides, wave pools, climbing walls, and interactive water-play features are highly sought after in renovations and new builds. Demand for splash pads has increased dramatically since the early 2000s because they offer an affordable alternative to outdoor pools. Distinctive theming for waterparks and splash pads helps create environments that mirror community values and draw new visitors. Communities adopting these features often become regional hubs for recreation and entertainment.
Foundational advancements, including sophisticated water filtration systems, energy-efficient mechanical equipment, and the adoption of modern 2D/3D design software, have revolutionized the design, engineering, and construction of aquatic facilities. Additionally, aquatic programming has expanded, enhancing life-saving services such as swimming lessons and lifeguard training. Competitive swimming and diving continue to thrive, with athletes becoming stronger and faster and achieving remarkable milestones, including Olympic gold medals and world records.
These trends and advancements all point to one thing: water recreation is a highly valued and sought-after asset for parks and recreation departments, community centers, schools, YMCAs, and other organizations across the country and around the world.
I love flow—the look, the feel, and the sounds of water flowing. I love working with communities through the process and witnessing the excitement of opening day.” – Jeff Bartley, P.E., Co-Founder and Principal of Waters Edge Aquatic Design
Our Work and Impact
Every Waters Edge project represents something bigger than the final product. The aquatic spaces we plan and design result from collaboration among many voices, including engineers, designers, public servants, community members, partners, and others. From our first project in 2000, the McFarland Farms Fountain in Topeka, Kansas, to projects completed in 2025, such as the Tony Aguirre Community Center outdoor pool in Kansas City, Missouri, we have kept these voices at the forefront every step of the way. We believe that fostering relationships is crucial to the success of every project, and we approach each new project with the understanding that every client and community is unique. Tailoring our services to each client’s goals provides a clear project roadmap and ensures we meet the community’s overall needs.
Clients and partners look to us to identify regional and national trends that help to set their aquatic offerings apart from the competition. For some communities, there is a desire to shift away from traditional public pools toward larger-scale, destination waterparks with extensive amenities and the potential to serve as a regional draw, such as the YMCA Waterpark at The Landing in Bettendorf, Iowa. Other communities focus on serving the local community, maintaining smaller footprints and keeping costs lower, while maintaining flexibility of use and desired amenities, such as Southeast Community Center and Tony Aguirre Community Center in Kansas City, Missouri. When space and/or budget are limited, thoughtful design and creative planning are imperative. Creative theming helps clients set their aquatic facilities apart. Whether it’s an out-of-this-world theme like Blast Off Bay in Goddard, Kansas, or a more local approach, such as the Quapaw Nation Splash Pad in Quapaw, Oklahoma, creative collaboration brings these designs to life.
Today, with more than 900 completed projects, over 40 aquatic industry awards, and work spanning numerous states and even international locations, we’re incredibly proud to help create spaces that foster community pride.
First Projects
McFarland Farms Fountain
Topeka, Kansas
First Project
Harper City Municipal Pool
Harper, Kansas
First Outdoor Pool
Turner Aquatics Center
Kansas City, KS
First Indoor Pool
Garrison Sprayground
Kansas City, Missouri
First Splash Pad
Recent Projects
13th Street Sports Park
Andover, Kansas
This splash pad was featured in the 2025 Athletic Business Aquatic Design Portfolio for its unique geometric design and mix of wet and dry recreation elements. Combining wet and dry play elements has become more common in outdoor parks. Real trees were included, which will grow to provide additional shade.
YMCA Waterpark at The Landing
Bettendorf, Iowa
Featured in the 2026 Athletic Business Aquatic Design Portfolio, The Landing was an ambitious project pairing an outdoor waterpark and ice rink with an indoor recreation center. Recreation spaces like this become regional destinations bringing in seasonal tourism.
Blast Off Bay Waterpark
Goddard, Kansas
Boasting an out-of-this-world theme, this indoor waterpark was featured in the 2024 Athletic Business Aquatic Design Portfolio. It is packed with modern amenities, including a swim-up bar and a surf machine. Adjacent to the Genesis Sports Complex, this waterpark offers entertainment for travel teams.
Tony Aguirre Community Center
Kansas City, Missouri
Packed into a tight space next to the community center, this outdoor pool doesn’t skimp on amenities. Patrons of all ages can find something to enjoy, whether it’s lounging on the pool deck, cooling down in the pool, going down the slide, diving, or climbing.
Southeast Community Center
Kansas City, Missouri
Similar to Tony Aguirre’s outdoor pool, this 2025 Aquatics International Dream Design packs many amenities into a tight space. Uniquely, a four-piece mural reflects the local community’s connection to the water.
Hager Family Springs
Omaha, Nebraska
Located within Sophia’s Play Garden at Lauritzen Gardens, this water feature teaches children the importance of water, how it flows, and its impact on the world around us. The springs are one of 13 learning activity areas located in the children’s garden.
Quapaw Nation Splash Pad
Quapaw, Oklahoma
This interactive splash pad, featured in the 2026 Athletic Business Aquatic Design Portfolio, celebrates the history of the Quapaw people. Adjacent to the O-Gah-Pah Learning Center, it serves as an engaging educational space where children can learn while having fun.
Valley Rec Center
Valley Center, Kansas
This indoor natatorium was designed to accommodate multiple programs, including competitive swimming, swim lessons, water aerobics, and recreational swimming. Its striking design earned it a spot in the 2026 Athletic Business Aquatic Design Portfolio.
Looking Ahead
To our clients, partners, and current and former team members: thank you! Together, we have created environments that bring joy to families, strengthen community connections, provide life-saving programs, create opportunities for athletes, promote well-being, and so much more.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are proud of what we have accomplished and even more excited about what lies ahead. The future of the aquatics industry is bright, and we look forward to continuing to innovate, collaborate, and support the communities we serve. From new concepts and sustainable design strategies to enhanced user experiences and evolving programming needs, we are committed to leading with purpose and passion.
Here’s to the next 25 years of making waves—together!
