Local Scouts work to revamp Rath Park

Cousins Brittany Chajkewicz of West Hempstead and Stephanie Smith of Franklin Square, both 16, have been members of the West Hempstead-Franklin Square Girl Scout Association’s Troop 1422 since they were in kindergarten, as Brownies.

Now juniors at St. Mary’s College Preparatory High School in Manhasset and Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, respectively, Smith and Chajkewicz recently decided that for their Gold Project — the Girl Scouts’ highest award, which honors a Scout for her ability to work with others to achieve a common goal — they wanted to do something to improve Rath Park in Franklin Square, which is close to both girls’ homes and in need of maintenance.

The girls drafted a plan to paint a weathered, paint-chipped recreational shack in the park, to paint a lighthouse mural at the park’s pool, to install a volleyball net at a court in the park and to install a “Welcome to Rath Park” sign near the pool area.

Last month, after taking photos of dilapidated areas of the park, Smith and Chajkewicz documented their plan in a book and met with Joseph Bentivegna, commissioner of the Town of Hempstead Department of Parks and Recreation, who is now reviewing the proposal. According to Brittany’s mother, Lillian Chajkewicz, the girls are expecting a decision on their plan — which includes a request to use the town’s paint and supplies — next spring.

The girls plan to reach out to the art directors of the Washington Street and John Street schools for help in painting the mural, Lillian added.

“They see that the park needs some refurbishing, and they wanted to do something that would have a lasting effect on the community,” she said. “This is about working with others for a long-term goal … it would benefit the community long after the girls have received their award.”