WinCentral.org

The Winchester Family Action Network's Splash Park project (FANSplash) is hoping a final wave of generous donations at its Winter Fiesta this Saturday will allow it to build the "splash park of our kids' dreams" in time for this summer.

"FANSplash has raised enough money to cover all of the design and administrative costs for this project," which amounts to about $100,000 since last May, said FANSplash Chairperson Elizabeth Angelino. "The only question left on the table is: what kind of splash park would our residents like to have for our children?

"FANSplash needs an additional $85,000 in order to build the splash park of our kids' dreams."

Angelino said construction of the pad — an automated, interactive aquatic play area that utilizes a drain to ensure there is no standing water, eliminating the possibility of drowning — is scheduled to begin this summer, and the scope will be determined by the amount of money FANSplash can raise by May 1.

"We can either build a basic foundation with the money raised to date, or, we can, with your help, build it right from the start so our kids can enjoy our 'dream' park this summer and so the town can reap the economic benefits of this facility becoming revenue neutral."

Angelino told selectmen in the past that with the splash pad, the beach could be open for 20 weeks instead of 10, and would cost average residents less than $100 per summer — a much more economical option than surrounding towns.

"Last year, I spent $350 to join Lexington's public pool," said Angelino, adding it would cost her family just $78 to join Borggaard Beach this summer.

--- Selectmen appropriate $20,000 ---

Selectman Thomas Howley told his colleagues Monday that, under a conservative analysis, it appears the project should be revenue positive. (Currently the beach operates at a loss to the town.)

"This can fit well into the beach area," he said, and should be a great service to families in town who don't want to pay the high prices in other communities.

Howley, who is the board's point man for the project, said the pad is currently in the design phase, during which the septic system is being looked at to determine whether it is sufficient.

He said it appears the electrical service will need to updated to facilitate the park — something that needed to be done sooner rather than later, regardless— and asked the board to show their support for the project by committing $20,000 in town funding towards the electrical upgrades.

"I think it's an appropriate thing to do to leverage the private donations that are being made."

The board agreed, and voted to indicate its intention to set aside the money pending their final approval of the project.

---Fiesta this Saturday will make splash ---

This Saturday, FANSplash and the Winchester Cultural Council are holding the last big fundraiser for the event, the Winter Fiesta, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Winchester Town Hall Auditorium.

More than 190 people are attending so far, Angelino said, including State Sen. Patricia Jehlen, State Rep. Jason Lewis and selectmen, and the list of silent auction items available include:

• Ritz-Carlton's 'Explore Europe" five-night stay for two, with $750 Euro Rail credit and airfare

• VIP Tickets to NYC Fall Fashion Week

• 2010 MLB All-Star Game & Home Run Derby (Anaheim, Calif.) package for two with three-night stay and airfare

• Kennedy Space Center Space Pass and Astronaut Training Experience for four, with four-night stay and airfare

• Disney World Resort Family Adventure for four, including $850 credit and four-night stay, with airfare

• Autographed photos of Miley Cyrus, Johnny Depp and the casts of "Star Wars" and "Harry Potter"

Also up for bid during a live auction will be the right to the naming rights to four splash park elements, Angelino said, and a 50/50 raffle will be held to benefit the Winchester Cultural Council.

The Master of Ceremonies will be Improv Boston comedian Kevin Anglin.

"Kevin is a native of Winchester and a rising star in the Boston comedy scene," Angelino said. "He won 'The Higher Ground's Comedy Battle (VT)' in 2009 and was a finalist in the 'Giggles' stand-up competition in Boston '09."

Live salsa music will be performed by the eight-piece Tequila Amigos Latin Orchestra, and complimentary light refreshments will be provided by Masa, Not Your Average Joe's, Fresh City, Restaurant 99 and Roche Brothers.

A full dessert buffet will be provided by Winchester resident Deb McWade of Deb's Cookies, and a $5-per-drink cash bar will serve wine and margaritas.

"We thank The Boston Beer Company for providing Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Sam Adams Light and their current seasonal brew to add to our offerings," Angelino added.

She thanked local businesses for their "tremendous support" of the project, including The Arthur Griffin Foundation of Winchester, which will match up to $25,000 in donations dollar-for-dollar until April 15.

Tickets to the Fiesta are $25 per person or $40 a couple, and can be purchased online at www.fansplash.org/fiesta_fundraiser.aspx or by visiting Book Ends or Winchester Wine & Spirits.

For more information, or to make a donation to the splash park, visit FANSplash's Web site, FANSplash.org.

--- Winter Fiesta ---

WHAT: Residents, local politicians, community leaders and local businesses to join The Winchester Cultural Council and The Family Action Network's FANSplash Committee to raise funds for the arts in Winchester and the Borggaard Beach Revitalization Project.

WHERE: Winchester Town Hall Mauer Auditorium

WHEN: Saturday, March 13, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

TICKETS: Advanced Tickets: $25/person, $40/couple. Tickets can be purchased online at www.fansplash.org, at Book Ends or at Winchester Wine & Spirits. Tickets will be $30/person or $50/couple at the door.