Charlie Mace, Life Scout in Reading Troop 702, recently completed his Eagle Scout Service Project, building a new bridge and boardwalk in Bare Meadow. He and his team of volunteers gathered in the Town Forest on March 16th, removed an old, rotted bridge and boardwalk near the cemetery entrance of the woods and built a new, sturdy replacement.
Charlie worked with the Reading Trails and Conservation Committees to design and plan the project. The old boardwalk that was rotted in places, uneven and narrow. The team of volunteers cut and removed the old boardwalk, leveled the area under the span, then laid in the support structures, followed by the composite decking. The new bridge provides a much safer way for residents to explore the Town Forest.
Once they got to the site they realized that they needed to make some changes to the design. “I learned that improvisation is necessary for a good project and you must keep a level head at all times,” said Charlie. Many Reading neighbors as well as the Trails Committee donated to this project.
The Eagle Scout Project is one step in the process of becoming an Eagle Scout. Projects require Scouts to plan, organize, fundraise and provide leadership in a service project for a beneficiary. Scouts also have the opportunity to reflect after the project is complete on what worked, what could have gone better and what they learned through the process. “My favorite part of the day was seeing the first hikers cross the bridge,” Charlie said.
The Friends of Reading Scouting is a group of parent volunteers and trained Scout Leaders committed to providing high quality Scouting for families and youth. You can find more information, find a Pack or Troop to join or support local Scouting at our website, www.readingscouting.org.
Photos provided by Charlie Mace:
