Waverly Parks Commission backs Girl Scouts’ ‘Beach Toy Library,’ recommends $200 to City Council

A local Girl Scout troop asked the Waverly Parks Commission on April 28 for guidance and support to build a public "Beach Toy Library" at Legion Park near the picnic shelter. The troop said the project would reduce plastic waste, encourage families to use the beach, provide secure storage for sand toys and keep lost toys out of the trash.

Chairman Joe Gallus and commissioners responded with practical design and siting suggestions. Gallus said a structure in the range of approximately 4 feet by 6 feet would likely fit best behind the picnic shelter, and the city could pour a small concrete pad or allow placement on blocks. Commissioners favored a painted wood structure built from treated materials for the base so it can sit on concrete or blocks. They also encouraged the troop to create a sign that recognizes the troop’s work.

The troop asked whether toys should be removed for winter storage; Gallus said a general storage bin could be kept in the existing park building alongside volleyball and pickleball supplies. The commissioners suggested the troop solicit toy donations through social media and perform some fundraising as an educational component of the project.

Ex‑Officio Ben Duske told the commission that about $200 could likely be found in the parks budget, and the commission reached informal consensus to recommend a $200 contribution to the City Council while encouraging the troop to fundraise for additional needs. No specific dollar amount was finalized at the meeting.

Next steps: the commission discussed final design choices, base construction using treated materials, and an ideal completion timeline before Waverly Daze in July. The commission asked staff to include guidance for placement near existing conduit and to consider a small barrier or fence to address pedestrian safety near the electrical panel.