Lemont Boy Scout Refurbishes Park District Trail

A junior will soon achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout after completing a service project to refurbish a walking trail.

Justin Stanwyck, 16, began work in November 2010 to clean up the trail through the woodsy area of , 16028 W. 127th St., which serves students and members of the Lemont community.

As a member of Lemont Boy Scout Troop 149, Stanwyck was required to complete a community service project to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He decided to work on the trail to make it more appealing to walkers, hikers and runners, park district officials said.

"The reason I chose this as my final project was because it it was one of the trails that I ran while on cross country in middle school," Stanwyck said. "It was one of my favorite trails because it went through the woods."

Stanwyck, who is hoping to pursue a career in either architecture or engineering, planned out every step of the project, from clearing away brush and trees to installing a new culvert and replacing several wooden bridges.

He recruited volunteers to help him on the project, and divided them into "crews" that were each responsible for a specific task. Meno Stone and Airy's, Inc., provided the materials for the project, according to park district officials.

The project was completed in November 2011—one year after he began initial planning.

Stanwyck said he is grateful for the help he received on the project, particularly from his fellow troop members and friends.

"I would like to thank Mr. Rich Rachwalski for being my Eagle coach, Mr. Dave McGuire for working with me on designs for the structural parts of the trail, and especially my dad, for all their help," Stanwyck said.

Lemont Park District Executive Director Louise Egofske thanked Stanwyck for his hard work on the trail.

"The Lemont Park District is very appreciative to Justin for choosing the Centennial Path as his Eagle Scout Project," Egofske said. "It will truly be enjoyed by many."