Texas Thomas constructs fence for Niwot Children's Park as Eagle Scout project

Troop 161 Scout Texas Thomas continued his journey to Eagle Scout on May 18, coordinating and executing a plan to construct a new, extended fence in Niwot Children's Park.

The fence aims to improve the park's safety, which borders several Niwot residents' properties. The surrounding residential fences have taken damage over the years, and the previous border left no demarcation for the ten-foot alley that runs between those properties and the park. The fence extension installed by Thomas and his crew runs along the alley and will help define the park's boundaries, while hopefully providing more peace of mind to the park's neighbors.

Thomas planned the project for over two months in conjunction with the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), which manages the park. Niwot Children's Park opened in 2016 and has become a staple in the community for birthday parties, picnics, and family outings.

"I've been working mostly with Biff Warren [NCAA] and Tim Wise on this project," Thomas said. "They've been very helpful in defining the project, because I haven't talked with the neighbors." Looking out at the existing fence line, red boarding interrupted by unpainted replacement panels, he laughed. "I'm sure they'll appreciate it, though."

The unpainted replacement panels of the fence were stained a dark red later in the day after the fence project was complete, with neighbor Linda Rae, who suggested the fence extension to the NCAA, providing the stain and brushes, and the NCAA providing the manpower.

The new fence was built with wood sold at cost by United Wood Products, with concrete and gravel given a similar discount by The Home Depot. Approximately 25 volunteers from Troop 161 Scouts, family members, and friends worked from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, to construct the extension. Tim Coonce of Porchfront Homes was on hand as a volunteer to dig the post holes with a bobcat and auger.

As Thomas looks forward to his Eagle rank, he is thankful for all the Niwot troop has given him. "It means a lot to build my project so close to where we meet, where we live. I've come to the park for the [Rock & Rails] festivals, but also for recreation and fun. Today, I'm giving back."

Troop 161 Scouts have participated in projects throughout Niwot, including construction of other fences at Niwot Children's Park, a welcome sign on the west entrance to Niwot on Niwot Road, refurbishments and a patio at Niwot Hall, and the annual Niwot Clean Up Day on May 17.

The Eagle rank requires a Scout to earn 21 merit badges, including 14 specific "Eagle Required" badges. An Eagle Scout project, such as Thomas's fence, is the final, largest step in the journey that encompasses all seven Scouting ranks and years of commitment.

Adding to a long list of successful Niwot Eagle Projects, Thomas will progress to his Board of Review and, finally, his Eagle Court of Honor this summer.