“It’s something we love to do for the kids,” said Murray Hammond, horticulturist for the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department.
Every year, the parks department sponsors community projects for scouts who are working toward the title of Eagle Scout.
In order to become an Eagle Scout, students must find a community leadership project to complete, which generally consists of some type of community beautification, painting, planting or park clean-up, according to Hammond.
This year, Logan Reeder of Boy Scout Troop 3 earned his title of Eagle Scout by leading his troop mates in a community service project at Hendrickson Park.
The project, completed in June by the troop mates, consisted of planting trees and shrubs on the disk golf course, as well as mulching. A total of 10 evergreen and 12 azalea trees were planted.
Reeder and Troop 3 worked diligently to complete the park project, according to Hammond. Michael Reeder, parent and assistant scoutmaster of the troop, oversaw the project.
“To become an Eagle Scout, you have to manage and lead a service project to benefit the community as a whole,” he said.
In the past, other troops have done projects such as installing flag poles at New Covenant Church, some remodeling at the Rogers Theatre and planting shrubs along PP Highway.
“The PBPR department work alongside us, they provide the supplies, it’s great to work with them,” said Michael Reeder. “They always seem to need stuff done and we’re happy to help.”
“I value being an Eagle Scout because it taught me outdoor skills as well as leadership skills,” said Logan Reeder. “These projects help to better the appearance of the community, plus it’s a need in the aspect of parks and recreation”
The new Eagle Scout went on to add the most difficult part of the process was planning the project.
“I learned a lot about the planning process and how important it is to have the right amount of people for everyone to stay busy but not get overwhelmed with too much to do,” he said.