Posted: 6/20/07
Newest NB park gets a shelter
 Seven volunteers work on the shelter's roof during construction. Twenty-six volunteers spent more than 200 hours to complete the project. |
By Steve Morris
One local Boy Scout saved the city of North Branch nearly $30,000 and he's not asking for anything in return.
For his Eagle Scout Badge, Drew Short of Troop 411 developed, designed and organized the building of a 24 by 30 foot picnic shelter at the Roger Johnson Memorial Park in North Branch.
The project was built by volunteers and funded by local donations and grants. It took 26 volunteers more than 200 hours to complete the project.
North Branch City Planner Alan Cottingham said the project would have cost tax payers around $30,000, but because of Short and the community support he was able to gather, it cost the city less than $700.
As a result, North Branch's latest park has a new nucleus. On June 17, the outdoor picnic shelter was presented to the public at the park's grand opening.
The picnic shelter will house six picnic tables and serve as a meeting point for people using the park. It's Short's vision the shelter will bring families together and provide a refuge from the elements during soccer or baseball games.
Short, 17, didn't see the complexity of the project before he started. Cottingham said most kids would have seen the scale of the project and turned away. Not Short.
"Drew picked up something very challenging," Cottingham said. "I think the project is real good."
In six years as city planner, Cottingham hasn't seen an Eagle Scout project of this scale.
Short, himself, admitted the project was big and there were times he wanted to quit. He entered the project with little construction experience and even less experience in raising money or writing grants.
"When I took on the project, it didn't seem as ambitious as I see it now. There were times I was overwhelmed but I took it one step at at time," he said.
Short worked with several different North Branch officials during the process. On more than six occasions, Short met with North Branch Building Official Rich Meyer.
Meyer said they received a lot of positive feedback from the community on the project.
The community will be able to enjoy the picnic shelter for many years to come. Minus any major weather, the project should be functional for at least 20 years, Meyer said.
THE PROCESS
Completing an Eagle Scout project is no walk in the park. First, Short had to develop a project idea and propose a budget with a safety plan and fund raising plan. From there Short presented the plan to the troop committee and the district committee for approval. Moreover, he had to document any changes to the original plan for review upon completion.
In November, Short brainstormed with North Branch city officials on what he could do for his Eagle Scout project. After some banter, Short decided building a shelter at Roger Johnson Memorial Park was the way to go.
"I really wanted my Eagle Scout project to standout in the community," he said.
Meyer said one of Drew's greatest attributes was getting the right people together with the expertise at the right time.
"He had key people lined up at key times," he said.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Like a politician trying to garner support, Short canvassed neighborhoods handing out flyers in search of volunteers to help build his project. Short also went to various community civic organizations in seek of funding. His efforts weren't in vain. He collected $500 each from the Rotary Club, American Legion and Youth as Resources. His biggest donation was a $1,000 grant from Lake Community Improvement Fund.
Scout Master Todd Maki was impressed with Short's initiative of going door-to-door and presenting to local civic organizations. For Maki, all the community support he received reflects well on the city and its people.
"It feels like we fit in," Maki said of his scout troop.
Community support didn't stop with local civic organizations. Lamperts gave 10 percent discount on building materials and Nelson's Market donated water for the volunteers. Short is still working with Knife River Concrete for a discount on the concrete.
Had it not been for the zealous support of the community, the project would not have been completed, Short said.
During the course of the project, Short learned a lot about himself and the community and gained the courage to ask the community for help.
"People do want to help," he said.
Comment from william g short, 6/21/07
Great Job DREW, a job well Done, Hope you have had an offer for a Summer Job , Grampa Short
Comment from Stephen Short, 6/22/07
I am not surprised to read this about Drew because I know his parents have provided him with the best possible early childhood environment and education, both spiritual and intellectual. Drew will continue to be a leader... we ain't seen nothin' yet. Uncle Steve
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