Though winter is far from over, many Guilford residents already are dreaming of summer. For one group of enthusiastic families, those dreams have never really stopped over the last two years or so, centering on one particular summer amenity: a splash pad at Jacobs Beach.

After seeing their efforts stalled by the onset of the pandemic last spring, a semi-informal group of community members are pushing forward with a series of fundraising drives starting next month, with the hope that the unique structure will be available for residents to splash around in this summer.

Splash into Motion, a collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department, asks residents to register themselves, their families, or businesses to commit to running, biking, and walking as many miles as possible during the month of February—whenever, however, and wherever they safely can—with all registration fees going to support the construction of the pad.

“This is definitely our first fundraiser getting back into things,” said Mandie Sorrentino, who chairs the Splash Pad Committee. “We’ve been on pause...It’s been tough for the community, and especially challenging to be fundraising at a time like this. But a lot of the community has been asking about the splash pad.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel here,” she added.

The group has raised about $40,000 with a goal of $150,000, according to Sorrentino, and is hopeful the community can push through and get the project funded in time for the summer.

Many people might associate splash pads with waterparks. They are a hard surface set with various fountains, nozzles, and creative water-spraying devices for children to play in. More towns across the state have begun adding them to parks or beaches, however, though none particularly close to Guilford, which was part of Sorrentino’s motivation to see one built here.

Splash pads are a more inclusive summer activity, with disabled children or very young children who may not be able to splash in a pool or the Long Island Sound able to still enjoy water based fun, Sorrentino said.

In a collaboration between the town and the private citizens of the splash pad group, the Parks & Recreation Commission originally fronted about $21,000 for a design in fall 2019, with the commitment that fundraising would power the project through completion. The town was also very supportive of the splash pad through several state and local approvals, all of which came through last spring.

The design also includes an eco-friendly rain garden, repurposing some of the water used back into the environment as well as keeping with the aesthetic of the area.

But the pandemic threw a wrench in all thosse plans, and Sorrentino said she felt it best to put the project on hold, until now.

“We’ve been focused on the effort, and we do have quite a large following locally—people calling and asking for updates and eagerly anticipating the install,” she said. “It is just now a matter of raising the rest of the funds...It’s really exciting, and I feel like we’re really close.”

Splash Into Motion serves a double purpose of inspiring people to stay active in the winter, according to Parks & Recreation Recreation Coordinator Ellen Clow, which is something hard to do during the cold pandemic months.

“It’s two-fold. It’s helping the splash pad, but it’s also giving people an opportunity to stay active and have a little fun competition along the way,” she said.

Clow said there will be weekly prizes along the way for participants in the initiative provided by local businesses, with an overall goal of getting 5,000 total “miles of movement” from the town.

“I think we can beat that,” Clow said.

All participants will additionally get a free T-shirt, according to a release from the town, and mileage will be tracked on a weekly basis.

Sorrentino said the splash pad committee has already begun meeting and brainstorming the next fundraiser, with every intention of pushing forward on the project. Though some aspects of the full design won’t be installed this summer no matter —specifically parts of the landscaping and garden, which must be planted in the fall in order for them to thrive—there is every hope and intention that Guilford residents will be soaking and sloshing when the weather is warmer.

“It’s exciting to be able to get going again,” Sorrentino said. “I know the families I’ve talked to are really, really excited about the possibility of having it this summer...The beauty of a splash pad is that it’s more of a socially distanced activity, so it’s definitely something that families can enjoy alongside with enjoying the beach.”

To sign up for Splash into Motion or to donate to the splash pad, visit the Parks & Recreation Department website bit.ly/GuilfordSplashPad.