Pico Park Fundraiser Set for May 11

Chairperson Dawn Sullivan is proud of the Winthrop Parks Committee and rightfully so.

Sometime in June she and committee members Dawn Manning, Barbara Duffy, Linda Brassard, Carlos Brussa, and Annemarie Murray will see the results of their volunteer work unveiled with the opening of a new Pico Park at the corner of Pico Avenue and Francis Street.

It is safe to say that children in the neighborhood and basketball and street hockey players town wide are looking to the rebirth of the waterfront park with great enthusiasm.

“The park is 40 years old and it was not up to code,” said Sullivan. “Our work has tried to support the DPW and the Parks and Recreation Department to raise the funds to put in a brand new playground, street hockey court, and basketball court. Everything is going to be brand new.”

The town appropriated $25,000 for the project. The Parks Committee has raised $15,000 through a memorial brick project.

The committee is now stepping up to the plate with a major fundraiser set for Saturday, May 11 at the Cottage Park Yacht Club on Orlando Avenue. The event is being called “Family Fun Night.”

“We’re hoping to raise another $15,000 at this event,” said Sullivan.

On paper the event looks to be synonymous with the word “fun” for all ages. There will be carnival games, a magician, a disc jockey, face painting, balloon animals, and dancing.

“There will be hot dogs and pizza and pop corn and carnival food,” said Sullivan. “Beacon Photography will be there to take family photos. Happy Kids Entertainment will provide surprise super hero characters.”

The raffle prizes include Red Sox tickets, autographed Bruins memorabilia, a weekend in Vermont, children’s toys, and handmade crafts.

The admission tickets will also be an entry in a raffle for a five-burner stainless steel gas grill that has been donated by Woodside Ace Hardware owned by Paul Leavy.

Tickets ($20 in advance and $25 at the door, children under 12 are free) can be purchased at the Winthrop Parks and Recreation Department, the Winthrop Pro Shop, and Winthrop Book Depot. People with questions can email Dawn Sullivan at winthropparks@gmail.com.

“We’re expecting a sellout,” said Sullivan.