Local clubs fund AED at Aronson Park; Lakeville Lions finish $500,000 splash-pad pledge

Lakeville parks officials and two community groups highlighted recent safety and recreation investments at the City Council meeting on May 4.

Parks Director Joe Messiarci said Lakeville Fastpitch contributed funding for an outdoor automated external defibrillator at Aronson Park after a player collapsed during a tournament last fall. "It became pretty clear for all of us that we weren't fully equipped to support a situation like that at Aronson Park," Messiarci said, describing why the club and city pursued an AED installation.

Jason Henning, who said he supports Apex Fast Pitch and sits on the LFSA board, recounted the incident: "A girl by the name of Eva Tervold ... in her celebration immediately collapsed on the field," which prompted parents and volunteers to prioritize lifesaving equipment at the park.

Separately, Maria Buesner, president of the Lakeville Lions Club, presented the final $100,000 installment of a $500,000 commitment to the Grand Prairie Park splash pad. "We as Lakeville Lions are also very honored to continue to support the Lakeville community," Buesner said, noting the club's long-running donations and volunteer work.

Angie Lucian, project coordinator for the Lions' park efforts, described a related birdhouse-replacement project: 50 birdhouses have been built and 29 installed in city parks and trails to-date, with plans for additional species-specific housings.

Mayor noted the May 22 opening day for the splash pad and a full park ribbon-cutting scheduled for June 1. The council thanked the groups for their donations and volunteer efforts.