July 312010
Thanks, Winchester, For Making a Splash!
Last year, at this time, a splash park in Winchester was just a glimmer of hope. Today, however, that glimmer of hope is now a torch that is burning bright, because this project has reached across all segments of Winchester, bringing together residents, businesses and organizations who have worked towards a common goal: creating a vibrant community gathering place for us all to enjoy.
The process of preparing the Splash Park project to go out to bid has been a shining example of what can be achieved through a public/private partnership. Numerous Town Departments were instrumental in gathering the necessary information and for the filing of the Notice of Intent and the bid package; and we offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to all involved. FANSplash would like to offer a special thanks to Kim King, FANSplash Publicity Chair, Tom Howley, Selectman, Mark Twogood, Assistant Town Manager, Chris Nelson, Director of Winchester's Recreation Department, John Suhrbier, Housing Authority, Betsy Cregger, Finance Commission.
We are grateful to the 850+ individual donors who, in total, contributed about 70% of the $189,000 raised. We would like to take a moment to recognize our major donors for their generosity and for their commitment to our community. We thank our Platinum Sponsor; The Arthur Griffin Foundation of Winchester, and our Gold Sponsors; The Family Action Network, The Powers Family, REI, Six Seeds & The Swartz Family. Visit our sponsor page for a fill listing of our donors.
The Splash Park has gone out to bid, and we should have more definitive answers about final park design and the expected completion date by mid-July. Visit www.fansplash.org for news about the expected opening date & when the grand opening celebration will take place!
While the splash park is fully funded, we are still grateful for any and all donations. We would like to add amenities such as shade, picnic tables, and landscaping in order to make the beach user friendly and as comfortable as possible for visitors! To donate on-line, please visit www.fansplash.org!
Warmly,
Elizabeth Angelino, Chair, FANSplash
May 312009
Our Mission To beautify our environment, create a year-round accessible recreational facility and support our local economy by revitalizing Winchester's Borggaard Beach, a currently underutilized recreational area.
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Project Goals
- Build a splash park: Install an automated, interactive splash park that is environmentally-friendly and affordable for all families
- Generate revenue: Defray the substantial loss the Town of Winchester incurs in the beach's operational costs through increased memberships and participation
- Support the local economy: Support our local economy by retaining residents' presence, and shopping dollars within our community
- Serve children with physical disabilities: Design a spray park and playground that will be accessible to ALL our children, filling a gaping hole in Winchester's current services
Winchester's Borggaard Beach is located off Palmer Street next to the Packer Tennis Courts. Current amenities include a sandy beach, well-defined swimming areas, certified lifeguards and Red Cross swim lessons, and restrooms with changing and shower facilities. The town sells beach memberships that permit unlimited use of the beach during its regular hours of operation. When open, it meets the local Board of Health water quality standards.