Eagle Scout Candidate Receives Award for Renovating Trail Bridges

Oakland Township resident Ryan Kelly, 18, has been using the for exercise for years and recently decided to use the trail in another way — for inspiration to obtain Eagle Scout status.

Kelly, who just graduated from and is a member of Boy Scouts troop 186, was awarded a certificate Wednesday evening at the Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Chairperson David Mackley presented the award to Kelly for renovating three bridges along the trail. 

“We thank you for the work you’ve done,” Mackley said as he handed Kelly his certificate.

The idea to renovate the bridges came from Becky McLogan, Parks and Recreation director, when Kelly approached her in February requesting a way he could better the trail for his project.

After hearing McLogan’s idea, Kelly decided to run with the plans to restore three bridges — one located just off Gunn Road and two near the intersection of Clarkston Road and Kern Road — and had it approved by his scouts leader.

As per Eagle Scout requirements, Kelly collected cans to raise funds for all of the equipment he would need to make over the planks. In his proposal, he estimated that the total cost would be nearly $700; much of that was raised through his can drive.

“The scouts teach you a lot of good stuff about friendship, family and the outdoors,” Kelly said. “It teaches you morals and character, too.”

Kelly, along with a group of friends and parents working under his lead, completed the project in two days. He noted it took approximately seven hours on May 7 and 8 to complete the process, which entailed scraping off any chips, sanding down the wood, washing it, coating it with a primer and then finishing with a proper paint job.

When the images of the finished bridges were passed out at the meeting, commissioners all appeared to be happy with the end result. Dirk Mammen, commissioner, noted that the last time one of the bridges had been renovated was at least four years ago.

Commissioner Lana Mangiapane said aloud, “they look good”.

“He did a beautiful job,” McLogan said.