The troop, led by Lakeville resident Michelle Heck, presented the project as part of their Bronze Award community service initiative. Each member of the troop introduced herself, sharing personal connections to Lakeville’s natural landscapes. The presentation highlighted the necessity of improved water safety infrastructure in a community abundant with freshwater resources but lacking sufficient safety structures. The Girls Scouts consulted with local officials and experts from both Freetown and Lakeville to develop their proposal. They plan to install safety signage and organize a ribbon-cutting ceremony in May to align with National Water Safety Month.

The commission expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing the importance of water safety. Members engaged in discussions about the timing of the installation, suggesting it might be prudent to delay until closer to the park’s official opening in June, when it could be monitored effectively. Additionally, there was debate over the benefits of having a sign to promote the upcoming project, potentially generating interest among park visitors. Ultimately, a motion to allow the Girl Scouts to proceed with their plan was seconded and passed unanimously.

Following the water safety discussion, the commission addressed various logistical and operational challenges related to upcoming events and park maintenance. Concerns were raised about the cleanliness of bathrooms during tournaments, with suggestions to include a contact number for reporting issues promptly. The importance of proper trash disposal was underscored, particularly at John Pond Park, where past events had led to overflowing waste. Members agreed on the need for clearer instructions to participants to mitigate these challenges.

Additionally, the commission reviewed the upcoming 2026 tournament applications, focusing on the necessary revisions for tournament, camp, and clinic requests. A consensus was reached to approve these requests after the required changes were made. The discussion then shifted to evaluating park accomplishments for the year 2025-2026 and setting goals for 2026-2027. Members acknowledged uncertainty regarding specific achievements from the past year, highlighting ongoing projects like soccer field renovations and the installation of a new light timer for the volleyball court.

The commission also explored plans for developing disc golf courses within the park. A meeting was reported with a community member to assess the area and devise strategies for implementing two nine-hole courses. Discussions included logistical considerations such as proximity to existing facilities and ensuring player safety, particularly in shared spaces like baseball fields. Members noted the importance of signposting and discussed the potential integration of shorter tee pads for novice players to minimize risks.

As part of the broader disc golf initiative, there was a proposal to establish a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization named “Friends of Lakeville Parks.” This entity would primarily focus on disc golf but could expand to support various park projects. The commission recognized the need for a letter of intent to support grant applications for funding. Members humorously acknowledged the historically lengthy timeline for park projects, with none completed in under a year.

Other matters discussed included the limited availability of the Loon Pond Lodge for events until Thanksgiving and the impact on Lakeville Day, with plans to coordinate alternative activities like food trucks. Concerns about unauthorized dumping of tree stumps in conservation areas were raised, emphasizing the need for adherence to land-use regulations.