Eagle Scout project restores Kennedy Park; borough issues proclamation recognizing volunteer effort

A local Eagle Scout led a 16-month restoration of Kennedy Park (also referred to in borough records as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park), and Munhall Borough Council presented a proclamation honoring the scout and the volunteer effort at its Aug. 19 meeting.

The scout described a multi-phase project that included repainting and restoring 28 light poles; replacing sodium bulbs with LED fixtures; refurbishing eight benches; removing trees obstructing the handicap-accessible entrance to the gazebo; trimming about 30 trees across the park; removing brush from a roughly 75-by-40-foot area; installing commercial-grade trash receptacles; replacing deteriorated handicap signage; consolidating and replacing park rules signage; repairing and replacing light fixtures; installing small retaining walls to address hillside erosion behind benches; and adding matching entrance signs at the park’s four entry points. The speaker said the work took 16 months and included 569 volunteer hours with donated materials and cash contributions; the transcript lists donated materials valued at $4,739 and $3,282 in private donations, with a combined reported value of $13,710.

Council read and adopted a proclamation recognizing Eagle Scout Ryan Hyland of Boy Scout Troop 4, commending the project’s improvements to park accessibility, safety and aesthetics. Council members and residents in the meeting praised the project as an example of youth leadership and community collaboration.

Council members also discussed minor follow-up maintenance items: protecting park signs from vandalism (council indicated they would cover signage with plexiglass to deter spray-painting), and verifying any additional maintenance needs raised during public comment. The transcript records the council’s proclamation language and the scout’s project summary; no new borough expenditure or formal contract was recorded in connection with the project at the Aug. 19 meeting.