When Sean Dunn, a member of the Save Sand Pond Association, started cutting the grass and cleaning up the litter collecting in the historical cemetery next to the pond, he voiced his annoyance at the disrespectful intrusion of cars parked next to the tombstones of  Revolutionary and Civic War veterans. 

When Peter Masse -- a senior at Pilgrim and Life Scout at Lakewood Troop 49 where Dunn had once been a leader -- heard Dunn describe the situation, he thought he might have a project for his Eagle Badge. 

What could be done?

Maybe positioning stones along narrow Sand Pond Road to stop people from parking in the cemetery to fish in the pond? A fence seemed like a possibility, but that would impede access to walkers. Masse came up with a plan for wooden guardrails. But before moving ahead, he would need approvals from the Narragansett Council of Boy Scouts and the city’s Historic Cemeteries Commission. He along with Dunn appeared before the Commission that Dunn said was delighted with the proposal as it wouldn’t impact their meager budget. Armed with the scout’s and commission approval the project, Peter set off to obtain the materials he needed. Lowe’s helped with a 20 percent discount for lumber, fasteners and cement for the posts. He picked up cash donations.

The weather played a role, too.

Peter was faced with deadline. In order to attain the rank of Eagle, a Scout can be no older than 17. Once a Scout turns 18, they drop out of Scouts and are no longer eligible for the distinction. Peter has been a member of the troop since he was five years old as a Tiger Cub and he didn’t want to lose the opportunity to follow in his brothers’ footsteps. Both Brian and Nick earned Eagle Badges.  Peter will turn 18 next month.

There was yet another issue. Membership in the Lakewood Troop 49 has dwindled. Founded about 40 years ago, at one time the troop had more than 50 Scouts. As parents and kids turned to other activities, there weren’t enough boys for a cub pack. The troop was losing its feeder system. Today the troop has only three scouts and they are all on their way of aging out of scouting. 

Part of an Eagle project is leadership and without Scouts that would be difficult. On Saturday, however, everything came together. The weather cooperated, Peter had secured the materials and Scouts, parents and former troop members turned out to help. Warwick Historic Cemetery #9 would be safe from the desecration of people parking within inches of weathered gravestones.