Eagle Scout candidate receives approval for local park project

ThisWeek CW 07/23/2015

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/canalwinchester/news/2015/07/20/eagle-scout-candidate-receives-approval-for-local-park-project.html

Eagle Scout candidate Kevin Diehl received the go-ahead from Canal Winchester City Council earlier this month to implement a beautification project at Guiler Park.

Diehl presented his Eagle Scout project proposal to city council at its July 6 meeting. He wants to install a brick paver patio with benches and a flagpole along the east side of the parking lot at the downtown park. Council members said they support the plan but did not need to take a formal vote on it.

“My project is to put a flagpole and seating area in Guiler Park near the pool,” Diehl said. “The only concern is the concrete pad already there with the picnic bench, so we’ll have to work around that.”

He said he’s pursuing sponsorships from local businesses to acquire the building materials he needs and, since the flagpole is considered “structural,” he will work with Public Works Director Matt Peoples on that component.

“We are covering the construction of the flagpole and benches and expect that to be around $1,750 installed,” Peoples said. “Kevin will be fundraising for the brickwork. We’ve worked with the Flag Lady on a similar project at the roundabout, so we’ll work with her on this, too.”

Council President Rick Deeds said he was excited to see this project come together, and wished Diehl the best of luck with it.

In order to earn an Eagle Scout ranking, a Boy Scout is required to progress through the “life” ranking and earn 21 merit badges covering more than a dozen topics. Candidates are also required to serve six months in a troop leadership position and take part in a Scoutmaster Conference.

The most public part of becoming an Eagle Scout, however, is the community project which requires the scout to plan, develop and take a leadership role toward completing it.

Diehl hopes to finish his project before the end of this year, after which he’ll have to complete an Eagle Scout board of review before earning the rank.