A simple idea from a group of local Girl Scouts is already making waves at Main Street Beach.
Earlier this year, Girl Scouts from Service Unit 509 proposed building a shared “Beach Box” filled with sand toys that families could use — and return — during their visit. The project, called Project Beach Guardian, received unanimous approval from the Vermilion Parks & Recreation Board in January. Now, just a few months later, the box is in place and ready for summer fun.
Positioned directly in front of the Main Street Beach pump station, the box is clearly visible and easy to access for families enjoying the sand. Built by the scouts themselves, the box includes a bright sign inviting visitors to “Share sand toys – Please enjoy and return,” along with a note of thanks from the Girl Scouts of Vermilion.
The scouts will continue to monitor the box throughout the season, replacing any broken toys and keeping the area clean. They’ve also applied for grant funding and created a reserve to keep the box stocked in future years.
In addition to its practical purpose, the project has been a hands-on lesson in civic involvement, environmental advocacy, and community stewardship for the girls, who range from kindergarten through seventh grade.
Parks Chair Tina Swinehart thanked the girls “for caring about the city’s new beach and wanting to make it a special place for everybody,” and called the proposal “a wonderful project.”
With the box now in place and summer approaching, families can expect a little extra joy — and convenience — during their next beach day in Vermilion.
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