Eagle Scout nears completion of trail project at Laurel Park

Date: 5/10/2010

May 10, 2010

By Kaitlyn Schroyer

Staff Intern



LONGMEADOW -- With the help of Alexander Gottzmann of Troop 90, Laurel Park will have a new bridge to connect its trails.

A 14-year-old sophomore at Longmeadow High School, Gottzmann is completing his Eagle Scout project this year in mid-May.

"To me scouting isn't all about making it to Eagle," Gottzmann said. "It is also a time when I can go camping do fun activities and be with friends and also my dad, who also enjoys going on camp outs.

"Scouting also taught me how to be a leader, which definitely helps with the Eagle project and later on in life as well," he added. "Scouting also taught me other valuable life lessons like how to be independent and how to work well as part of a group and team."

A project that began with planning months ago in June 2009 is finally coming close to completion as Gottzmann, who has been involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts since second grade, readies to build a bridge across Cooley Brook at the park.

"I live right by the park and I feel that the trails are underused because it's not very easy and not an ecological thing to cross the creek," Gottzmann explained.

Currently, crossing the brook is dangerous both physically and for the environment. The steep banks make it difficult to cross and attempting to cross can damage the banks. With the help of the bridge, it will make a more usable park and increase the value for recreational activities.

"The trail dead ends right by the stream," Gottzmann said. "I want to connect the end of the trails that loop around so you don't have to go back or cross the stream. There is more potential with them connect than several dead end trails."

The project's planning started last June with getting approval for the bridge from the town of Longmeadow, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Conservation Committee and the Boy Scout Organization. Many of the materials and funds needed have been raised by Gottzmann from neighbors and family, but he still has $190 left to collect.

Once the bridge is completed, it will be donated to the town and to all the citizens in a dedication ceremony in mid-June. State Sen. Gale Candaras will be attending. There will also be a ribbon cutting in which neighbors, scouts and other helpers will participate.