Diving into splash park talks

The public is invited to learn more about a splash park planned for the Jefferson City Community Park.

Preview in the Park is set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday at the corner of Marshall and Dunklin streets near the Lincoln University campus.

The family-friendly fundraising event will include splash park information, musical entertainment and food from local restaurants at no cost. Event organizers will be on site to answer questions.

The splash park will have water-spraying features with little to no standing water.

Face painting, an artifact display and the Runge Nature Center will be at the event. At least 10 acts will entertain the crowd at Preview in the Park, including House of Refuge Worship Center, Maggie George, SBC Youth Praise Dancers, SBC Male Chorus, Sylvia Ferguson, Second Christian Church, One In Christ Baptist Church, MiCrystal and DaMia' Day, the Rev. Marcell Pickens and Troy Donehue and family.

Attendees can also learn about opportunities to get involved with the project or donate to it, such as brick purchasing. Bricks will be on sale at various levels. It's a way for individuals to have a permanent place at the park. Purchasers can select the inscription of their choice, and brick proceeds will go toward building the splash park.

The Jefferson City Cultural Arts Foundation is hoping to raise up to $75,000 for the splash park, said Lucia Kincheloe, chair of the foundation. Organizers are seeking donations online at fundrazr.com/JCMOSplashPark.

Tickets for the Ice Cream Splash, scheduled for July 15 in downtown Jefferson City, will be available for purchase at Preview in the Park. Last year, the event raised about $10,000 for the splash park.

In addition to the foundation, entities involved in the splash park project are the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department, the East Side Family Activity Center, Jefferson City Community Advocacy Group and Friends of the Jefferson City Community Park.

Kincheloe said they would like to open the splash park in time for summer 2017.

For more information, call Kincheloe at 573-338-8800 or Patsy Johnson, with the Jefferson City Community Advocacy Group, at 573-353-1448. The Facebook site is facebook.com/IceCreamSplash.