Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The competition amongst manufacturers of water play equipment that is purchased for public and private facilities such as parks, housing developments and community space is increasing. Whether it is a municipality or city in North America or Europe there is increased pressure on the manufacturers to have evidence-based research to clearly articulate the features of their water play equipment in relation to children's development. With an increased competition evolving among water play manufactures for the worldwide marketplace, companies recognize with the increased consumer buying power, choices, and access to global markets, that they require access to non-bias, evidence-based research that clearly articulates how their products support children's development, play and learning. This is necessary both for the sale of the product and for families that may use the product. * *The purpose of this research is threefold. First, it is to identify the key child development features of the newest water play activity tower equipment manufactured by Waterplay Solutions Corp. Second, is to examine how children use that play equipment and how their play options align with documented developmental milestones. Third, is to identify how the Waterplay Solutions Corp., top competitors' water play equipment compares in child development features and in how children use that equipment. The findings from this investigation will be of particular interests to cities, municipalities and other clients who are conducting an analysis of the various water play equipment brands to determine which company to purchase their water play activity tower equipment from. The knowledge regarding how children learn from the water play equipment will be of interest to an array of clients who are considering the use of or investment in the equipment. The research is of particular importance to Waterplay Solutions Corp., from a global marketing and equipment design perspective. the research could inform changes to the design and the features of the tower. *