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Scout plans upgrade to local park

By Staff | Feb 15, 2013

Matt Pennock and Mike Austin stand at Morgan's Grove Park where Matt plans to construct new picnic tables at the pavilion owned by the Shepherdstown Community Club.

A Shepherdstown Boy Scout has plans to give a facelift to the pavilion at Morgan’s Grove Park with the construction of new picnic tables.

Matt Pennock has detailed and received approval for his Eagle Scout project to construct at least five eight foot tables for use at the park.

Pennock explained in an interview this week that he is in the process of completing one final merit badge and then he can commit to the Eagle project. He is in the process of drafting letters to solicit donations of materials for the table project. Cost for one table is estimated at $180, he said.

Pennock explained that the process of preparing for the Eagle project included a submittal to the boy Scout Council in Winchester, Va. who approved his project. Moving forward, Pennock is responsible for the leadership, planning and completion of the project. He can, and will, involve other scouts in the actual construction project.

Pennock is working closely with members of the Shepherdstown Community Club who own the park. Member and former president Mike Austin said that Pennock’s proposal “fits in our efforts to enhance and maintain the park.”

Austin indicated that the Club will kick in a financial donation to the project and offered the Club’s nonprofit status for those who wish to contribute as a tax deductible donation.

“Anyone who wants to contribute via the Community Club can do so by sending a check to P.O. Box 463, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, earmarked for the Eagle Scout project.,” Austin said. He went on to say that the Club’s goal is to replace all 18 of the tables that are currently in existence at the park.

Pennock said that if resources and funds could be found, he would oversee the construction of more than the five approved for his project.

The Jefferson High School junior has been involved with scouting since being a Cub Scout in his early youth. In addition, he plays football and is on the track team at Jefferson.

He explained that ever since he began in scouting he has wanted to complete the Eagle Scout.

“I have a lot of family involved in scouting,” he shared, “including my dad and two cousins.”

Pennock is a member of Scout Troop 42 that meets at Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town.

Pennock, who turns 18 in September, must complete the project before that milestone birthday. He said that he hopes to purchase materials in March and begin construction in April.

He indicated that he chose the project to benefit Morgan’s Grove Park because the park is used by so many in the community. The most-used park in the county, Morgan’s Grove serves residents not only in Shepherdstown but beyond.

“I grew up around the park,” Pennock said. “Id like to give back to it.”