LAKEVILLE — An improved parking lot, better beach access, a fishing pier, hammocks and a zipline — these are just some of the improvements that may be in store for Clear Pond Park.

An engineering firm contracted by the town presented an initial concept plan to the Select Board on May 19, outlining extensive renovations to the park located at 49 Clear Pond Rd.

The plan, still in early stages, prioritizes accessibility and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. To support that goal, the engineering firm, Radner Design, recommended regrading and resurfacing the parking lot with a combination of crushed stone and pavers. New pathways and access points are also proposed.

On the beach, roll-out mats would be added to improve access for wheelchair users.

In addition to accessibility, the project aims to expand the park's overall usability. A new primary structure would house concessions, bathrooms and an office, while also serving as a lightning shelter.

The existing playground would be completely redone and replaced with natural play structures made of wood and rope. These elements would weave throughout the park. 

“It should feel like this is not an enclosed playground but the whole place is for play,” said Radner Design Associate Katarina Creamer.

If included in the final plan, a fishing pier would be located off the main parking lot near the entrance. Designers placed it far enough from the main beach to prevent hooks and other fishing debris from reaching swimmers.

The plan also proposes nestling hammocks between the beach and the natural play area.

“People with special needs can get overwhelmed and overstimulated, so the hammocks are a perfect place for them to go and take their break and rest and regroup,” said Parks Commission Chair Melissa Turcotte.

Several existing features will remain, although some will receive updates. The grills and picnic areas will stay the same. The basketball court will be reduced in size and resurfaced to "make it nicer." The mini-golf course, a popular feature, would be renovated to match the rest of the park’s quality.

To make room for the improvements, about a dozen trees — identified as dead or dying — would be removed. Creamer emphasized that the redesign intends to preserve the “woodsy feel” of Clear Pond Park.

In 2024, the Select Board approved $40,000 for the engineering and design phase. Funding for construction has not yet been secured, but Town Administrator Andrew Sukeforth said Community Preservation Act money and open-space grants are likely sources.

Select Board members voiced support for the plan at the May 19 meeting.

“A lot of this is phenomenal and I hope we can move forward with this for the town and get more people interested,” said board member Paul Hunt, who worked at Clear Pond in the 1980s.

Chair Maureen Candito said she is excited about the park’s future but raised concerns about its seasonal use. Currently, Clear Pond is only open in the summer, and Candito is worried about the park during the winter.

“The problem for me is it becomes an attractive nuisance. When we just have all these features, we’re just asking for people to come in and use it when no one's there,” she said. “It’s also a significant investment for two months out of the year. Would there actually be any additional revenue?”

The Select Board and Parks Commission discussed opening the playground for year-round use but did not make a final decision.

Residents interested in providing feedback or asking questions about the plan should email the Town Administrator’s office at asukeforth@lakevillema.org.