constructiondesignplanning
What is a pre-construction site survey for a splash pad?
Quick answer
A pre-construction site survey documents existing topography, utilities, drainage, soil, vegetation, and access for the splash pad parcel. It typically combines a licensed topographic survey, utility locates (811), arborist review, and a base ALTA-style boundary check, costing $3K-12K.
Before any splash pad design work begins, the project team commissions a pre-construction site survey to capture the existing conditions. A licensed land surveyor produces a topographic survey at 1-foot or 6-inch contour intervals showing elevations, trees, hardscape, and visible structures. An 811 utility locate marks public utilities within the work zone, and a private locate scans for irrigation, low-voltage, and abandoned lines. An arborist tags significant trees for protection or removal. The survey often includes spot infiltration tests, a cursory soil log, and photos from the four cardinal corners. Total cost runs $3K-12K depending on parcel complexity. The deliverable is a CAD basemap the design team builds on. Skipping this step is the #1 source of mid-construction surprise costs — buried gas lines, mismatched grades, and protected root zones can each blow a six-figure hole in the budget.