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Park board approves Eagle Scout hammock‑camping project
Summary
A local Eagle Scout received approval to proceed with a hammock‑camping installation in a Williams County park; the board voted to allow the project to move forward pending final site selection and permits.
William, a 16‑year‑old member of Troop 316, presented an Eagle Scout project to create a designated hammock‑camping area in a Williams County park and asked the park board for permission to continue planning and fundraising. "My name is, William. I'm from Troop 3 16. I like to present my Eagle Scout project on Hammock Camping," he told the board.
The project would install treated wooden hammock posts where trees are scarce, add groundcover such as mulch or gravel, and post informational and donor recognition plaques. William described a timeline spanning planning, fundraising, construction and a final report, with a target to complete the build by fall 2025.
Parks staff described the project as intended to increase low‑impact camping options and reduce tree damage from improper hammock use. "I've never met another kid more passionate specifically about his project," a parks staff member said of William's proposal, adding staff support for evaluating appropriate park locations and timelines.
Board members asked whether a formal motion was needed and were told the board's approval would allow staff and the scout to continue site selection and the permitting process; the presenter and parks staff agreed they would confirm the final park and precise locations to the board before installing any posts or groundworks. The board then moved to approve the project; a roll‑call vote recorded unanimous support and the motion passed.
The board and staff discussed funding and materials. William said fundraising would rely on donated materials from local businesses, a GoFundMe campaign and, if allowable, scouts' popcorn and chocolate sale proceeds. Materials listed included treated wooden posts, concrete or gravel footings, signs, hardware and common construction tools. He told the board the safety plan includes calling 811 before digging, adult supervision during construction, safety gear on site and transport by scout vehicles and parents' trucks.
Next steps listed by parks staff included: confirming which park (options discussed included Epping, Springbrook or Blackdale), completing any required permitting and coordinating donor recognition plaques. The board did not set a specific park for construction at the meeting; staff committed to notifying the board of the selected site before any installation.
The board's approval was limited to allowing the project to proceed to the next steps of site selection, permitting and fundraising; no construction was authorized to begin without a confirmed location and any required permits.
