Local Girl Scouts are preparing space for a new activity at Dickinson Park.

Karen Smiley, spokeswoman for Girl Scout Troop 50594, along with several grade 7 Cadets, proposed building a gaga ball pit, according to June Parks and Recreation Commission meeting minutes. The pit would be about 20 feet by 20 feet in size and 29 inches deep. The Scouts would do the free project in an effort to earn their Silver Service Award.

The gaga ball area would be similar to a court currently at Treadwell Park, the minutes state.

In July, the planning had continued with an update from the Girl Scouts to the commission. Co-leaders Ms Smiley and Diane Salvo discussed possible gaga court locations for Dickinson, agreeing on an area near the basketball court and maintenance road. The location is in proximity to the playground of the park, off Brushy Hill Road and Elm Drive.

The Scout representatives and Parks & Recreation also discussed design options and how the game is played.

“A number of Girl Scouts explained that it involved releasing the ball and then using their hands to bounce it towards another player, attempting to get them ‘out’ by hitting their legs,” the minutes state.

According to wikipedia.org, gaga ball is a variant of dodgeball that is played in a gaga “pit.” The game combines dodging, striking, running, and jumping, with the objective of being the last person standing. Players hit the ball at each other with their hands and are eliminated if the ball strikes them on or below the waist. The game can be played by a group of individual players or with teams, as well as in one-on-one matches.

The commission moved to approve the project. All were in favor.