Each winter, Carroll Creek transforms into one of Frederick’s most imaginative and community-driven traditions: Sailing Through the Winter Solstice. What began as a whimsical display of lighted boats has grown into a powerful philanthropic engine—one that is now helping bring a transformative new public amenity to Baker Park: Splash PoinT.

What Is Splash PoinT?

Splash PoinT at Baker Park is a planned, free, ADA-accessible interactive splash fountain designed for children, families, and visitors of all abilities. Located near the William R. Talley Recreation Center and Baker Park’s Band Shell, Splash PoinT will be the only no-fee public water-play and heat-relief amenity in the City of Frederick.

The project is deeply personal. Splash PoinT honors the memory of Simon Turner, a young child who loved water play and cherished time in Baker Park. The project’s name—capital “S” and “T”—is a subtle tribute to Simon Turner. What began as a family’s wish to give back has grown into a broad community effort involving local foundations, civic organizations, businesses, and residents across Frederick.

How Sailing Through the Winter Solstice Makes It Possible

Each year, Sailing Through the Winter Solstice invites organizations to sponsor creatively themed boats that glide through Carroll Creek, dazzling spectators and encouraging the public to support local nonprofits through online donation “votes.” The more votes a boat receives, the more funds are directed to the charity chosen by that boat’s sponsor.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Frederick and the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek teamed up to sponsor one of the most memorable boats in the event: “Rotary Magic – The Yellow Submarine,” inspired by The Beatles’ iconic 1966 song.

Their chosen beneficiary? Splash PoinT at Baker Park.

The result was extraordinary. The Rotary Magic boat became the top vote-getter of the entire event, raising a record $30,000 for Splash PoinT—directly advancing the project toward construction.

Doing It Again—Because It Matters

Buoyed by last year’s success and the community’s overwhelming support, both Rotary Clubs have decided to once again dedicate all funds they raise to Splash PoinT through Sailing Through the Winter Solstice. Every vote this year brings Splash PoinT closer to becoming a reality—helping close the final funding gap on a $1.6 million capital project that will serve Frederick families for generations.

Nancy Mackintosh, Rocky’s wife of 50 years and his much better half, has chaired the fundraising for the Splash PoinT project.  In a recent statement, she announced: “At its core the Frederick Community is very philanthropic at all levels of giving, whether it is $5.00 or $500,000, over the last year we have raised more than 90% of the funds necessary to make Frederick’s one and only free splash fountain a reality!” Mackintosh stated that with a bit more support, she is hopeful that ground can be broken later this year.

How You Can Help

Voting is simple, fun, and impactful. Each “vote” is a donation that directly supports Splash PoinT through the Rotary Magic boat.

👉 Vote here for “Rotary Magic – The Yellow Submarine”
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/STTWS2025/team/RotaryMagic

This winter, you can enjoy one of Frederick’s most beloved seasonal events while helping create a lasting, joyful, and inclusive space at Baker Park. Together, let’s make a splash—on the creek today, and in the park for years to come.

“Become a MacRo Insider”

Rocky Mackintosh is President of MacRo, Ltd., a Land and Commercial Real Estate firm based in Frederick, Maryland. He has been an active member of the Frederick, Maryland community for more than five decades. Over the years, he has served on a number committees and boards for local government, community organizations, education institutions and businesses.