Teen Proposes Picnic Area At FFH

As Eagle Scout Project

By Kendra Bobowick

Picnic tables in a wooded area overlooking meadows and a paved walking trail are part of Boy Scout Troop 170 member Tyler Coleman’s plans for his Eagle Scout project at Fairfield Hills.

Standing before the Fairfield Hills Authority Wednesday evening, he described his proposal for a 140-foot by 140-foot space “behind the Newtown Youth Academy where the walking trail splits; by the field,” he said. As suggested by authority Chairman John Reed, board members moved to endorse the high school junior’s idea as long as Tyler works out details and specifics with property manager Maria DeMarco.

“I think you have a good idea here,” said member Andy Willie later in the meeting.

“It’s a great project,” Ms DeMarco had said. “But it’s not going to be easy.”

A longtime Eagle Scout proponent, Mr Reed added, “I welcome the opportunity to be helpful to Tyler…”

Minutes earlier, Tyler talked about his plans that start with removing dead trees or limbs, then confirmed that he also has the Parks and Recreation Department staff’s agreement to help. He walked around the C.H. Booth Library’s lower meeting room with a small color printout in hand to offer members a quick glance at the location he intended, adding that cleared wood could be chipped and spread in the area where he envisions possibly more than 30 picnic tables.

“There are standards for all materials,” such as benches, landscaping, trash bins, etc that are approved for use at Fairfield Hills, Ms DeMarco explained. “I’ll show you,” she said. “They’ll have to be like all the other picnic tables [across campus].”

After a pause, she said, “You’ll be shocked at the costs.”

Grinning, member Michael Holmes said, “That’s where fundraising comes in!”

Laughing, Tyler’s father Scott Coleman, also involved with the town’s trails committee, laughed, noting that the costs will likely determine the number of benches.

“Cost is going to be a challenge,” Mr Reed stated.

But the picnic area may become a popular idea, Mr Reed suggested. “Regarding the trail, a lot of people use it and anything that can enhance usability and attractiveness would get public support,” he said.

Offering encouragement, Mr Willie suggested that Tyler contact large businesses. “See if they will donate a table, for example,” he said.

The authority’s newest member, Renata Adler, asked, “You said, ‘We.’ How many [scouts will help]?” Thinking for a moment Tyler said, “I’ll try for 30 or 40.”

Mr Reed said, “It will be an area where people could bring things with them — an old-fashioned picnic.” He also felt that “people on the trail could take a break there.”

“It’s a highly trafficked area,” said member Ross Carley.

“People on the trails would see the tables?” Mr Reed asked.

“Yes,” Tyler said.

He and Ms DeMarco will soon meet to discuss his project details.