Parks and Rec approves Summer Street Church beach service Aug. 3 pending lifeguard sign‑off

The Parks and Recreation Commission on June 26 voted unanimously to approve Summer Street Church’s request to hold a public summer service and optional baptism at the Children’s Beach bandstand and adjacent water area on Aug. 3, with a rain date of Aug. 10, pending confirmation from lifeguard staff.

The decision matters because the event is expected to draw 75 to 100 attendees and involves use of the beach water area for baptisms, which the commission said requires lifeguard review before final confirmation. Commission members directed staff to obtain input from Sheila Lucy, who coordinates lifeguard coverage, prior to issuing final authorization.

Dina Weatherly, who presented the application, said the church requested a 10:15–11:15 a.m. time slot and noted the group expects a public service with live music and a baptism option. Derek, identified in the record as pastor at Summer Street Church, told the commission the gathering ran smoothly last year and that he expected roughly 8 participants to enter the water for baptism while the larger crowd would remain on shore. “We anticipate maybe 8, I’m guessing, of those people actually participating in the water bit of that,” Derek said.

Commissioners discussed safety concerns and agreed lifeguard staff should weigh in. The motion to approve the booking pending lifeguard review passed on a roll call with Nikki Drew, Meryl McCluskey, Gina O’Callaghan and Michael Kozort all voting in favor.

The commission’s approval is conditional: staff were instructed to confirm any lifeguard or public‑safety requirements with Sheila Lucy and report back. Dina Weatherly indicated she would follow up with the lifeguard staff and communicate any conditions to the applicant.