Simon's Splash Pad: Frederick Fundraiser Success

Plans for a memorial splash pad in Frederick's Baker Park have advanced significantly following a four-year fundraising effort. The initiative, launched in 2019 by Talia and Brent Turner in memory of their son, Simon, who passed away at 22 months, recently reached its $1.6 million fundraising goal. This milestone was achieved after the Frederick County Council allocated $200,000 in its fiscal year 2027 budget.

Mockup designs reveal a fountain-style splash pad, new walkways, and garden features integrated into the existing playground area. Construction is anticipated to commence this fall, pending final design approvals from the city's Parks and Recreation Department and the county's Health Department. The Turners, working with the Community Foundation of Frederick County, aim to open the ADA-accessible splash pad by April 26, 2027, a date significant as it would have been Simon's 10th birthday.

The project received substantial support from various organizations, including the Ausherman Family Foundation, which donated over $500,000. Hundreds of individual donors also contributed, underscoring community backing. Once completed, the splash pad will be gifted to and maintained by the city. While the fundraising covered the splash pad's construction, the Turners hope the city will later refurbish the surrounding playground structures.