Eagle Scout service project nears barking good conclusion

A late-Saturday work session has an aspiring Eagle Scout closer to his goal of making the Vito Baxter Puppy Promenade a premiere place for dogs to play.

It’s been all hands on deck for “Paws on the Ground.”

Bryce Mosly launched his service project on March 29, and he’s been joined by volunteers from the Scouts as well as the community at-large to make it happen before his 18th birthday or the final Oct. 19 deadline.

“Hopefully this is the last major day of work,” he said Saturday afternoon. “It all depends on the posts.”

The project seemed perfect as Mosly thought of its inspiration.

“I had heard a lot about it (the park) before I was an actual Scout,” he said. “I came out and saw openings in the fences and didn’t think it was safe enough to bring out my dog. I thought this would be a great way to help the community.”

Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Scouts BSA program by the Boy Scouts of America.

According to Boy Scouts of America, since its inception in 1911, only 4 percent of Scouts have earned this rank following a lengthy review process.

Along with mending fences and setting new posts, Mosly and his volunteers have been cleaning up the park of debris and adding dirt to low areas where water collects after rain.

The park entrance has also been changed, providing direct access to the small dog area without having to pass through the large dog area.

Celebrating its 14th year, the Vito Baxter Puppy Promenade was due a renovation.

A member of Troop 4173, Mosly said fellow Scouts and members of the Order of the Arrow BSA Honor Society have been a huge help. Online postings for volunteers has also brought out the best of people, he said.

During a May work session, Army Private 1st Class Jermaine Sayers and Sgt. Reymond King carried bundles of chainlink fencing from a trailer for placement around the park. They were two of many who added community to this community service project.

Mosly said he plans on returning to the Lawton City Council with his closing presentation in early September. It brings it full circle from his early-March presentation and, he said, soon after, a reopening event will be scheduled.