Commission backs Eagle Scout pergola proposal at City Beach; volunteer subcommittee to assist

A scout's proposal to build a pergola at City Beach received the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission’s endorsement March 10, and commissioners directed staff and a subcommittee to work with the scout on permits and site selection.

The presenter identified themself as Gail Fritz, Troop 4059, and described a two‑weekend build plan with a 14-by-14 to 15-by-15 pergola footprint and a concrete pad. "So these are some examples of what I was thinking... I plan to build this down at City Beach... it'll be about a 14 by 14, foot, like, pad," Gail said. The presenter estimated a maximum project cost of about $4,000, including materials, a concrete pad estimate that could be reduced by donations, safety gear and food for volunteers.

Staff advised the scout that concrete work near the lagoon would likely require a near‑shore permit and that the department would help identify appropriate locations and the permitting path. "It will require a near shore permit... and we can certainly partner to walk Caleb through that process," Brian said, using the staff reference name for the proposer. Staff recommended the scout meet with the parks subcommittee to refine site selection and schedule.

The commission voted to proceed with planning and subcommittee coordination. Tom Jones moved the commission approve moving forward with project planning and coordination with subcommittees; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote. The scout said fundraising and volunteer recruitment were already underway and that the project timeline would likely be toward the end of the coming summer.