Guilford Parents Trying To Make A Splash ...Literally

GUILFORD, CT — Like a scene from 'Field of Dreams,' but this vision is a wet one. And it's likely that, if built, they will come. No, it's certain, they will come. Who can resist a splash pad on a hot summer day?

A grassroots group of parent volunteers, led by Guilford mom Mandie Sorrentino, has been working for more than a year to see a splash pad at Jacobs Beach in place for the summer of 2020.

Typically, a splash pad consists of ground nozzles that spray water up and out onto safe textured non-slip crumb rubber rain-deck. It's a place for seasonal water play that doesn't require lifeguards, like say a public pool. It's a safe alternative to open-water swimming especially for the very young, the very old or disabled. But also is enjoyed by anyone who needs a summertime cool down. Usually using fresh, recycled and/or treated water, splash pads are wildly popular nationally as a safe summer alternative to open water or pool swimming.

In an early message to families, parent volunteers who have been leading the effort said the splash pad would serve the under-served, saying families with young children, the elderly and those with special needs “would greatly benefit from having an easily accessible, safe way to cool off in the summer months.”

In a Care2 petition created more than a year ago, hundreds signed. One comment, a sentiment that was oft repeated, came from a mom who grew up in the area and now has their own young children.

"I grew up down the street from Jacobs Beach. I'm now raising my own kids here as well. The water is not swim-able for kids. We always end up leaving town to go to the beach. I'm pretty sure the Guilford kids would love this!"

And so the effort was launched.

The group began working with the Guilford Parks & Recreation Commission to first find the best location: Jacobs Beach was chosen for its proximity to existing parks and rec summer programs and staff, as well as water access. Then in September of 2019, the commission, and the Board of Selectmen blessed the concept and hired a design firm to present a plan.

Though the town paid for the design study up front, Parks & Recreation Director Rick Maynard told local media last fall that the entire bill will ultimately be paid for with donated funds.

The all volunteer-led project will be built, organizers say, entirely based on donations. And, in a post to Facebook in early December, organizers say they have just eight weeks to raise the for the build.

The Schmidt Design Group, a Milford, CT and California-based landscape design and planning firm that touts its portfolio of progressive, sustainable and environmentally sensitive planning, presented a design plan for the proposed splash pad.

The concept is described as environmentally conscious with an eye toward ensuring that water is recycled when possible and not wasted. The design includes having water run into a rain garden.

A draft design concept was revealed in early December that features a toddler and family zone, but is "inclusive and designed for all ages to be able to play together."

“The design consists primarily of ground fountains with specific focus and attention to materials and colors that will blend in with the natural aesthetics of our beach setting. Boulders and wooden elements are also being incorporated into the design with multipurpose functionality – serving as seating, but also to be enjoyed as climbing structures, which is excellent for a child’s development of balance, coordination and imaginative play,” organizers wrote.

People who wish to donate can ‘buy a brick’ for that could include logo or artwork beginning at $100. Then there are donor levels that include ‘friend’ for a donation of $1 to $500, ‘steward’ for $501 to $999, ‘ambassador’ for a donation of $1,000 to $1,499, ‘visionary’ for a donation of $1,500 and up. There’s also a small number of ‘boulder’ sponsor for $1,500 donation and there are a very few benches with plaques available for a donation of $2,000.

“We need the support of the entire community to bring this project to life. Fundraising efforts are now live with a buy-a-brick campaign. We hope you will consider purchasing and personalizing a brick that will be a part of the splash pad installation, or making a donation towards the project.," organizers wrote. "We must hit our goal of $150,000 by February 2020 in order to be able to build before the beach opens for the summer season.”

Here’s the link to the donation form and here’s the link to the ‘shop now’ button. And there are other ways to donate or get involved by visiting The Splash Pad Guilford, CT Facebook page or by emailing thesplashpadguilfordct@gmail.com.

The Guilford Splash Pad Don... by Ellyn Santiago on Scribd

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