Parks & Rec Partners With Committee To Bring Splash Pad To Beach

GUILFORD, CT — As reported a year ago, a grassroots group of parent volunteers led by Guilford mom Mandie Sorrentino had already been working for a full year to bring a splash pad at Jacobs Beach.

Now, the town department of Parks and Rec is collaborating with the Guilford Splash Pad Committee for the 'Splash into Motion' challenge where residents and businesses "collectively walk, run, bike or even snow shoe as many miles as you can before March 1."

"Guilford, can we move together and reach 5,000 miles in February," Parks and Rec asked.

The Splash into Motion program is a way to both raise funds for the Splash Pad and "encourage mood-boosting and health-improving exercise for residents."

The Guilford Parks and Recreation along with the Splash Pad Committee are offering prizes to those who rack up the most miles in the month of February.

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.

The parent volunteers who have been leading the effort for two years to bring the pad to the beach noted last January that it 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."

The parks department noted that due to the pandemic, the Splash Pad Committee had to put fundraising on pause.

"As we come into the new year we are very excited to kick fundraising back into motion," the town said.

From Parks & Rec:

"Splash Pads offer opportunities for children's sensory and mental growth to develop, as well as helping families come together and socialize. These municipal recreation spaces provide community enrichment and socialization for all demographics. Since this is such an important project we decided to tie in another significant aspect to the mission.

Splash into Motion challenges the community to walk (preferably with snowshoes), run, hike or bike as many miles as they can Starting February 1st through February 28th. We want people in this community to be out, exercising, breathing fresh air and being social all in a responsible manner. The goal is encouraging healthy and safe competition, all in support of a great community project. Guilford has so many great unknown hiking trails and we want people to be taking advantage of that this winter.

Individuals, families, or business can sign up to participate. It costs $25 for individuals, $50 for a family up to six and $100 for a business team up to ten. With your registration, you will receive a free Splash into Motion t-shirt provided by Zuse Inc. To sweeten the deal, exciting week to week local prizes from local businesses will be awarded. Like a raffle, you are automatically entered when you register. We will announce prizes each week to incentivize participants to keep moving. Participants will submit their total mileage each week for tracking. Everyone can help us fundraise for the Splash Pad, all you have to do is register for this healthy, safe and fun community challenge.

To register or learn more visit www.guilfordparkrec.com or call 203-453-8068."