Boy Scouts to Work With O.C. on Parks

The Boy Scouts of America is talking with the county about building a swimming pool and complex at O’Neill Regional Park as part of a larger partnership with the county’s Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department.

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a cooperative agreement with the Boy Scouts under which the organization will encourage troops to participate in “Adopt a Park” programs and volunteer at local facilities.

Park rangers will develop a list of construction and nature projects that Scouts might take on in order to earn merit badges.

Robert G. Fisher, director of the Harbors, Beaches and Parks Department, said the agreement is a logical way for Scouts to learn about the natural environment while helping the county improve parks.

County officials will soon begin formal talks with the Boy Scouts about leasing some land at O’Neill Regional Park to build a pool and Scout leader training center.

Also Tuesday, the board approved several minor changes in a contract for a family planning program handled by the Health Care Agency. The federally funded program provides contraception and family planning services to low-income couples.

Supervisor Jim Silva voted against the contract. Silva also voted against several urban park grants to cities, saying he felt uncomfortable about allocating funds to other government entities while the county’s own finances remain tight.