Local boy scout, Corey Miller, of Troop 92 in Bellwood has been working hard to complete his Eagle Scout project, an emergency service memorial park in downtown Bellwood.
Scouts are required to complete a service project that benefits the community in order to reach the rank of Eagle Scout. Miller’s plans for an Emergency Service Memorial Park which will sit across from Excelsior Fire Hall will qualify him for the honored position.
Miller got things rolling in March when he presented his ideas for the project at Excelsior Fire Hall.
Through a power point presentation, Miller shared his plans with members of the fire company and the community. He later presented the plans to Bellwood Borough Council.
The original plans included stamped cement, benches, a gazebo and a memorial in honor of the men and women who serve the community through the fire and police departments and emergency services. Miller also shared several landscaping ideas using plants and shrubs.
Miller discussed several fundraising ideas to cover the cost of completing the park.
One idea was a spaghetti dinner fundraiser which the fire department agreed to hold at the fire hall. The dinner will be held this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the fire hall. Tickets are $6 and all proceeds will be used to complete the Emergency Services Memorial Park. Tickets can be purchased from any member of Boy Scout Troop No. 92 or at the fire hall.
Troop 92 members have also been helping to raise funds. The boys started collecting recyclables and also help with a lot of the labor.
Several other organizations also helped with the project. The fire company donated the site for the park and GACTC classes helped in several areas, including drafting and getting the proper dimensions.
Miller asked the fire department, Ambulance Association and Bellwood Borough for donations also.
The fire department gave $1,000 to get the things started. The money was originally given to the fire department to start the project and members agreed to pass it along to Miller and the scouts.
Council’s reaction was very supportive and members offered many suggestions to help with the project.
Members offered the service of borough equipment and placed an aluminum collection bin at the borough building so the community can drop off cans to help raise money.
The borough’s operations manager, Randy Showalter, also offered his help in using borough equipment.
Miller explained his reasoning behind the park, saying it will honor members of the service departments, improve the vacant lot, provide and emergency service and community event area and serve as conversational seating for residents.
