A picnic area and butterfly garden may soon border the Melvindale boat launch, once Boy Scout Cody Maggard, who recently received approval from the city council, has the potential Eagle Scout project approved by the local BSA council. Following approval, Maggard will begin fundraising and project planning.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
MELVINDALE – The City Council approved Boy Scout Cody Maggard’s proposed Eagle Scout project, a picnic area and butterfly garden adjacent to the city boat launch, at its online Sept. 16 meeting.
Once Maggard’s project is approved by the local BSA council, he may begin fundraising and project planning in earnest.
The Scout told the council that he hopes to develop the area near the boat launch, which is adjacent to the Kessey Fieldhouse, by installing two picnic tables, two trash cans, a metropark style charcoal grill, and a butterfly garden along the border.
As part of an Eagle Scout project, a Scout organizes fundraising, solicits donations, and plans the entire project, including recruiting, scheduling and overseeing volunteers to do the work.
Maggard said he would like to border the area with 4×4 timbers, and use gravel or mulch in the picnic area. If funding permits, he would like to create a butterfly garden as well.
Butterfly gardens improve and maintain a habitat for butterflies, by providing flowering plants, which encourage butterflies and moths in all four life stages – egg, larva, chrysalis and adult.
“My hope is, in the process of earning my Eagle Scout rank, I can also play a part in the beautification of my city,” Maggard said.
He said the picnic area would provide a spot for kayakers and others to relax.
Keith Lozar of the Parks and Recreation Commission said they are looking forward to helping with the project.
“I think it is a great partnership with the Boy Scouts,” he said. “We are all for anything that beautifies the city and welcomes people who like to fish, boat and kayak.”