ATHOL – Next week, members of a working group established by the Open Space and Recreation Commission will meet to start planning a celebration of Silver Lake Park, one of the town’s best-loved amenities.

The likely date of the day-long event, called Silver Lake Park: Our Waters, is June 7, which is not only National Trail Days, but also coincides with Massachusetts’ free fishing weekend. Tentative plans for the event include a presentation on the history of Silver Lake, an angler education program facilitated by a representative of Mass Wildlife, and an advanced fishing presentation led by OSRC member Allan Butler, who is also working on a magnet fishing event.

David Small of the Athol Bird & Nature Club is working on an early morning guided bird walk, aquatic invertebrate workshop, a workshop on nature journaling, an exploration of dragonflies and damselflies, and a study of nighttime moths. Other organizations that may be on hand for the celebration include the Millers River Chapter #725 of Trout Unlimited, the Athol Area YMCA, Athol Sportsman’s Club and Mass Audubon.

Planning and Development Director Eric Smith is reaching out to the Fire Department to explore the possibility of a water rescue demonstration. There are also plans to contact the Northeast Houndsmen to see if a demonstration of tracking and rescue by a K9 and its handler can be arranged.

Other events being looked at include a cell phone photography class, pickleball clinic, art exhibit, recycling education, scavenger hunts for kids and adults, and the dedication of a new lifeguard stand. Plans call for the celebration to be topped off by an evening bonfire.

Smith said he will be approaching the Selectboard within the next month to secure a one-day event permit.

The working group meeting will take place at 4 p.m. in Room 21 at Town Hall, on Wednesday, Feb. 19. While a number of people have stepped up to help, Smith told the Athol Daily News more volunteers would be welcome. If unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting, potential volunteers could attend the next meeting of the OSRC at 7 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the same time and location. Anyone interested can contact Smith at esmith@townofathol.org.

“We really have a lot planned,” said Smith. “We could really use the energy of more volunteers from the community to help make this a great event. Many of the plans we have right now are simply tentative and we could definitely use the help of more people, especially those folks who know the park and use it fairly regularly.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.