Scout Proposes To Spruce Up Memorial Park At Picture Lake

     Cleanup and landscaping work is set to begin at the Picture Lake beach area in Pocasset, Eagle Scout candidate Brendan R. MacGregor told selectmen last week.
     That beach and parking area’s formal name is the Bertram S. Wright Memorial Park, and it was dedicated in 1968 to the memory of the World War I veteran, former Bourne police officer, and harbormaster.
     Brendan is hoping someone from Mr. Wright’s family will contact him, so that they can be present when he has finished his work and is ready to rededicate the park.
     Mr. Wright (1897-1967) was instrumental in establishing the town’s shellfish program and served Bourne for 34 years.
     A plaque set back from the edge of the lake honors Mr. Wright’s years of service and says, “He renewed his strength at this quiet part of Picture Lake.”
     Mr. Wright’s wife, Bernice H. Wright, taught first grade at the Teaticket School in Falmouth, serving that school system for 35 years. She died in 1983 at age 86, survived at that time by two daughters, Barbara Wright Cox of Bourne and B. Natalie Motte of Kingston, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Barbara Cox died in 1985.
     Brendan, a member of Boy Scout Troop 44 in Pocasset, visited selectmen last fall to discuss the Picture Lake project in concept. He is now ready to begin cleaning up the beach, working on the parking lot area, installing two benches and arranging for the repaving of the entranceway to the town-owned site.
     He has identified two work dates: Saturday, May 10, and Saturday, June 7, from 9 AM to 3 PM as public work days.
     That’s when the troop and others will be raking, installing plants, and otherwise working on the landscaping, Brendan said. He hopes everyone will bring a friend. Refreshments will be available.
     Brendan told selectmen last week that he has almost finished the first phase of the project, having raised $3,155 toward the work and having arranged to work with three local landscaping companies on the project.
     He still has about $1,495 to go, he said, to meet his goal.
     A civil engineer has also been consulted, he said. When he came before selectmen last November, Brendan said erosion is a problem at the site, as runoff has caused the formation of narrow, five-inch-deep gullies. He now has a plan to help control that erosion.
     The Eagle candidate, son of Robert F. and Nancy D. MacGregor of Pocasset, also met with Town Administrator Thomas M. Guerino and Director of Public Works Rickie J. Tellier. The town is going to assist Brendan by paving the apron at the park entrance, with Brendan coordinating that effort with the landscaping work.
     Mr. Guerino praised the thoroughness of Brendan’s planning.
     Tucked between MacArthur Boulevard and County Road near the Otis Rotary, the majority of the property along the lake, and access to the water, is either privately owned or has no parking place associated with it.
     The water is not visible from MacArthur Boulevard, but the lake is off County Road, and those heading south on Route 28 can turn right onto Dockser Avenue and then begin following Lake Drive for a good view of the lake.
     Those wanting to help Brendan cover the financial cost of the project, can make checks payable to BRM Eagle Scout Project, Troop 44, and send them to Brendan MacGregor at 650 County Road, Pocasset, MA 02559.
     Mr. Wright’s family or anyone else with either information or questions about the project can reach Brendan at 508-563-9752.