Lakeville parks commission unanimously approves Girl Scout water-safety station at Clear Pond Park

The Lakeville Parks Commission on Jan. 22 unanimously approved a proposal from Girl Scout Troop 7620 to build and maintain a waterfront safety station at Clear Pond Park.

Michelle Heck, the troop leader, told commissioners the junior troop members designed the Bronze Award community service project after interviewing neighbors and local experts. ‘‘We propose installing a waterfront safety station at Clear Pond Park,’’ Heck said, listing life vests, a life ring, a sunscreen dispenser and instructional signage among the planned features. Heck said the troop will inspect the station monthly during summer months and fundraise to replace damaged or missing equipment.

The troop members — who introduced themselves during the presentation as Reagan, Addison, Nora, Abby and Riley — described the project timeline and outreach. ‘‘We would like to install the station at the beginning of May and promote it with a water-safety awareness campaign during National Water Safety Month,’’ one of the scouts said. Heck added the troop had consulted town and safety officials while developing the plan.

Commissioners questioned siting, timing and storage while the park remains closed until late June; staff and the organizers agreed to finalize a plan that addresses storage and installation logistics. The commission asked organizers to share the final plan with Nathan Darling (staff contact) for a closing review. The chair then called for a motion; commissioners moved and seconded approval and voted unanimously to allow the troop to proceed with the project.

The decision allows the troop to return with a final installation plan and to coordinate a ribbon-cutting and outreach campaign in May. The commission asked the troop to keep the parks department updated on fundraising and maintenance arrangements.

What happens next: Troop leaders will finalize and circulate the detailed installation plan to parks staff for clearance and scheduling. The commission expects the troop to return with any required site details before installation.