Eagle Scout Project Brings New Kiosk to Patterson Park
The Patterson Environmental Park recently welcomed a new kiosk, thanks to the hard work and community spirit of Eagle Scout candidate August Bark.
The project began nearly a year ago when Park Caretaker Ed Napierkowski discussed replacing the aging and deteriorated kiosk. Rather than simply replacing it, the project became an opportunity to engage the local Boy Scouts and encourage community service.
Bark took on the challenge as his required Eagle Scout project, developing the design, coordinating the project, organizing fellow Scouts, and helping construct and install the new kiosk. The project required planning, teamwork, persistence, and – as Bark and the volunteers discovered – quite a bit of hard work digging through the rocky ground at the park.
The new kiosk provides an attractive and useful entrance feature for the many residents and visitors who enjoy the 23-acre Patterson Environmental Park, which offers hiking, fishing, canoeing, and other opportunities to experience the Great Swamp.
The project also demonstrates what can happen when a community works together. Paige Lumber donated the materials, while town volunteers, park supporters, fellow Scouts, family members, and members of the community all contributed to making the project possible. The Friends of the Great Swamp also continue to be supportive partners in activities at the park.
“This started out as simply replacing an old kiosk, but it became something much bigger,” said Patterson Town Board member Shawn Rogan. “It is about community, service, leadership, and environmental stewardship. Those are the qualities that make the Eagle Scout program so meaningful. August has given something back to the community, and we are grateful for his hard work and dedication.”
Napierkowski also praised August and his fellow Scouts for their effort, noting the importance of having young people actively contributing to the community.
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