Viborg Scout works on Eagle Scout project

Devin Bendt a 17 year old junior at Viborg High School is working towards his Eagle Scout project by designing and building a handicapped accessible dock at Swan Lake near Viborg. He was inspired for this project by his Scout Master who is handicapped.

Bendt had to obtain permission from the Eagle Board at Yankton, the Viborg City Council who oversees the park area at the lake. Then he had to get permission from the State Game Fish and Parks Department since the dock would cross into their territory. Finally, his plans had to meet certain guidelines.

He raised money from canisters set out at various Viborg businesses and the Shore Store at Swan Lake. Dakota Ace Hardware also helped with some of the supplies. Money for the project came in just two months.

He has spent two and a half months working on the dock and had help from volunteers and Viborg Scout Troop 261 to finish it. The dock was built in three sections with the last section wider so as to provide a turn around area.

The park area is open to the public. It has a memorial garden and benches for relaxing. Signs will soon be put in place directing anyone wanting to use the handicap accessible dock.

Bendt stated that Scouting taught him how to take leadership of a project like this. He hopes the elderly and handicapped will use the dock for fishing.

A ceremony dedicating the dock with a plaque installation is planned for June.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 9:19 pm and is filed under Community Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.