Parks board recommends Eagle Scout bridge to replace unsafe pond crossing

A Parks and Recreation Board majority on Thursday recommended an Eagle Scout proposal to replace an unstable pond crossing with a new 5-foot-wide, 13-foot-long timber bridge built to code.

The presenter, Jade, an Eagle Scout, told the board the existing crossing is hazardous when wet and that children and older residents are at risk of slipping and falling. "So my proposal is to create a safe bridge replacing the one that they have now," she said, outlining a design with three-foot rails and a materials list that includes pressure-treated lumber, rebar and lag bolts.

Preston, who gave the board's parks and streets report, described construction details and safety plans: pressure-treated timbers, rebar driven into the ground as anchors, and galvanised lag bolts for fasteners. He and other speakers said adult volunteers would supervise Scouts during assembly and that the town could cover some material costs; one board member said the town normally donates gravel and indicated the timber cost would likely be paid by the town or by the project organizer.

After questions about materials and site access, a board member moved to recommend the project; the motion was seconded and the board approved the recommendation to forward to the commissioner. The presenter will continue fundraising and finalize a materials list before construction.

Why it matters: The board framed the vote as a public-safety measure and a hands-on community project that also ties into the town's trail system plans. The bridge aligns with an earlier trail effort near Stevens Park and with other recent Eagle Scout improvements to town parks.

Next steps: The recommendation will be presented to the commissioner; project organizers still need to secure final materials funding and coordinate any work that crosses county property.