Eagle Scout aspirant Liam Row, 14, recently completed a Boy Scout Eagle service project at the Hollister Airport Park. A member of Troop #436, Row planned and managed the project, which included installing edging and paths to make the park compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The purpose of Eagle Scout service projects, according to the National Eagle Scout Association is “to learn leadership skills,” along with the opportunity to learn project management and take responsibility for a significant accomplishment.
Candidates must enlist the assistance of others — fellow Scouts, friends, church and community members, parents and family. Leadership is the key, for the Scout must resist the impulse to just do the tasks himself. He must plan ahead, assigning team members to tasks appropriate for their age and ability; organize meals, if needed; and be prepared to handle safety challenges. All of this comes after years working to complete the pre-requisites to just begin the process: Scouts must submit a project proposal, work on revisions, and acquire sign-offs and final project approvals from Boy Scouts of America and, in this case, from the city.
When asked about the most challenging aspect of the project and what he would do differently next time, Row said, “Measuring the 45-degree angles instead of corners was the most difficult part of the project. What I would do differently is have people split up into groups and do small work like laying boards or spreading gravel; that way everyone would be working and split evenly among jobs.”
Mayor Ignacio Velázquez stopped by the park to thank Row and his work team for their contribution to the city. In an email about his visit, Velázquez wrote, “These are the types of projects by our young people that make our community great. I will be meeting with Scout leaders later this month to see how the city and the Scouts can work together on future projects.”
The City of Hollister website describes the Hollister Airport Park as “Acres of turf area for play and dog fun. Located at the Hollister Airport on San Felipe and Fallon Road. There are picnic tables and barbeque pits available at first come first service.” In May 2014, the dog run section of the park was named the Jerry Gabe Memorial Park. For the full story, see the BenitoLink story.