Moegle makes repairs at Lincoln Parish Park as part of Eagle Scout project

Lincoln Parish Park isn’t only a prime location to see an eagle from time to time, but you may also see a potential Eagle Scout there as well.

Local Boy Scout Riley Moegle and a group of friends recently gathered at the park to repair a fishing dock in disrepair for his Eagle Scout project.

As part of the process in obtaining Eagle Scout status, scouts are required to complete a project.

Reaching Eagle Scout is the ultimate summit for scouting, but it’s not easy. According to Boy Scouts of America, a candidate must complete the following requirements before his 18th birthday: merit badges, service project, active participation, Scout spirit, position of responsibility, and unit leader conference.

With his 18th birthday approaching on March 6, Moegle needed to facilitate the project portion of his requirements so he reached out to Lincoln Parish Park Director James Ramsaur, who became the beneficiary to the project.

“I asked him if there was anything I can do at the park for my project. He showed me the dock and I thought it would be a pretty good idea,” Moegle said. “I know a couple of other scouts who have done similar projects. I thought it was a good opportunity to help the community and to get my Eagle, which I should be able to do in the next week or so.”

It has been a familiar destination for Eagle Scout projects in the past, according to Ramsaur. “We’ve done about four or five of the Eagle Scout projects out there and we appreciate them having the park be part of that,” Ramsaur said.

Once an agreement was reached between Moegle and Ramsaur, it was time to kick the project into gear. After obtaining approval through an application and verification by Ramsaur and scout leaders, it was time to raise funding.

“I started reaching out and a lot of people were willing to help on such short notice,” Moegle said. “ Some couldn’t with the timing, but I am so grateful for everyone who helped.”

Ramsaur added that it was impressive to see Moegle do the fundraising part of the process, which isn’t easy with lumber prices at an alltime high.

Pearce Lumber Company provided the hardware and delivered the lumber for the project Feb. 18 and 20.

That’s when Moegle and his friends completed the repairs at the park. The dock needed extensive repairs on the decking, but most of the structure was fine.

“My troop was very helpful and I’m appreciative of how they came out and pitched in,” Moegle said. “We had adults there to offer us guidance on the repairs in order for us to get it done right and to get it done faster. It would have been a lot harder without their help.”

Monetary donations for the project came from Century Next Bank, Ruston Tractor, Joe’s Tire Service, Walpole Tire, Kitty and Brian Barron, and Forrest L. Moegle, Attorneyat- Law. Mark Graham of Graham Real Estate and Troop 45 Leader Michael Watson provided power tools. Bottled water was provided courtesy of Louisiana National Bank.

“They did a great job with the dock,” Ramsaur said. “All of the scouts do great work out here.”

With new decking on the dock, which is located near the beach area, the dock provides fishing and sightseeing for all visitors, especially those needing wheelchair access.

With the project done, Moegle is completing the necessary process to have it approved, along with letters of testimony sent in from scout leaders and friends. Once the review is over, then he should find out his Eagle Scout status in time for his birthday.

There are no plans for his Eagle Scout ceremony yet. Moegle said he just wants to receive final word on whether or not he becomes the latest Lincoln Parish Eagle Scout.

If you happen to venture out to the park anytime soon, you may notice the fishing dock with the new lumber. Courtesy of Moegle and his scouting friends.