Scout Leader Kaden Chafe of Hudson’s own Troop 220 was at the May meeting of the Benson Park Committee to propose an Eagle Scout project at the Benson Park dog park.
“My proposed Eagle Project is repairing the agility course along the shed door and the fire hydrant at the dog park,” outlined Chafe. “The plan is for the wooden structures, including the seesaw and the ramp with the platform is to take those off and I’m going to reuse any metal in the metal pipes to hold those up as best as I can, I’m going to take those off and rebuild them with new rods in the exact same was as they are now.”
He planned to replace any rotting or damaged wood structures at the agility, repainting everything to limit future water damage, with a more comprehensive fix in mind for a few of the more unusable structures.
“With the hurdle, my plan is to totally redo that with galvanized steel to prevent that from rusting. It’s going to look the exact same and I’m going to use a piece of plumber’s pipe because what’s there now is a shower rod, and it breaks very easily. If a dog lands on it, it will break. Plumber’s pipe is a little sturdier.”
Other highlights of the project included rebuilding the tire hurdle, reinforcing the running poles to prevent them from falling over, a training staircase for visiting dogs, and using plywood to replace a door for a small shed in the park. Old items would be removed from the park for disposal.
“I’m assuming the shed is not the larger shed that is in there?” asked Committee member Susan Clement, looking for clarification. “I’m assuming you’ll put a lock in?”
Chafe stated that the project included rebuilding the smaller shed, not a larger one in the same area, which is in better condition. His plan also contained a code lock on the shed door.
“Plumber’s pipe, what exactly do you mean by that?” asked Committee member Jack Madden, who was told it was a reference to plastic, PVC piping that would be studied without causing injuries.
Without a dedicated budget, the dog park relies on donations and volunteer work to remain in operation. While they welcomed the help, the Benson Park Committee wanted a rough timeline on when the project would be finished.
“The estimated finish date is, if I get approved tonight, I’ll have to submit my packet and goes to the Eagle Board. As of now, that could be in June, it could be in July, I don’t know,” said Chafe. “If it’s in June, I’d say I can get this done on a rough timeline of around mid-to-late September.”
He agreed to keep the committee updated on the process and added that other members of Troop 220 would help out. With no objections, committee members unanimously voted to support Chafe’s Eagle Scout project.
The next Benson Park Committee meeting is set for Thursday, June 19, at 7 p.m. in the Hudson Cable Access Center.
