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Eagle Scout to Rebuild Two Pond‑side Bridges at Steven Gator Park; Commission Recommends Project
Summary
Parker Gill, an Eagle Scout candidate, proposed rebuilding two small bridges at Steven Gator Park to repair missing railings and unstable decking. The Parks Commission moved to recommend the project and staff will coordinate waivers, scheduling and material donations.
Parker Gill, an Eagle Scout candidate, told the Parks Commission he plans to rebuild two bridges on the pond side of Steven Gator Park to address missing railings and unstable decking. “I am Parker Gill. I am a member of the local boy scout troop 261,” he said while presenting photos, hand drawings and a rough budget for treated lumber, brackets and fasteners.
Gill said the design moves the posts outward to gain roughly 6 to 8 inches of width, replaces some vertical railings with horizontal rails, and uses a U‑bracket connection to strengthen the joint between the side beam and the decking. He told the commission he will use treated lumber "because that's what the old bridge was," and said he will seek donated materials from Home Depot and Atkins and ask friends and family for support.
Town staff told the commission they can provide on‑site equipment and power tools and cut lumber in the town shed if needed. Staff also warned about volunteer safety risks in the park, particularly poison ivy, and said all participants must complete the town’s waiver form before work begins.
A commission member moved to recommend the project for approval to the council; members signaled assent and staff agreed to coordinate paperwork and staffing for the proposed mid‑ to late‑August work dates. The motion as stated in the meeting transcript was: “I move that we recommend, this project for the parks or the bridges.” No roll‑call vote was recorded in the transcript; staff said they will follow up offline to collect required signatures and a beneficiary signature for Eagle paperwork.
Gill asked whether the commission would permit a small metal plaque acknowledging his name and troop once the bridge is complete. Commissioners said they supported the idea but that the plaque design would need final approval by the town council.
Next steps: staff will provide waiver forms and coordinate tentative dates with Gill; Gill will seek donated materials and return with firm dates and paperwork for council sign‑off.
