HUMBOLDT ? Nestled in the far northwest corner of Humboldt lies Franklin Park.
The bucolic park, with a secluded pond surrounded by a walking path of crushed limestone, is ideal for fishing, picnicking, or just a quiet stroll. It was developed several years ago through a cooperative effort between the city and Allen County to make the area a bit more appealing with construction of nearby senior housing duplexes.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks periodically restocks the pond with catfish and bass, and is one of the community?s most popular fishing holes.
Michael Young figured some seating would be a nice addition as well.
Young, who is entering his senior year at Humboldt High School, recently spearheaded an effort to add benches on opposite sides of the pond as part of his ongoing efforts to become an Eagle Scout.
The benches are affixed with a series of fishing pole holders, as well as platform armrests sturdy enough to support the heaviest tackle boxes or whatever else visitors might want to bring along. The seat backs sport an American flag design recognizing law enforcement, firefighters and the armed forces.
The project, several months in the making, was completed in July.
?I?m pretty happy with it,? said Young, who has documented each step of the process, and now must send that information to a review board.
If the project passes muster (and Young completes three other necessary merit badges), the 17-year-old will attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve.
He spoke about the project, and the help he received from multiple sources from across the region.
YOUNG, a member of Chanute Boy Scout Troop 71, became familiar with Franklin Park as a youth, when visiting his grandmother, who lived in the nearby senior housing complex.
Occasionally, he?d take his remote control boat out onto the water.
?But I knew a lot of guys liked to fish there, too,? he said.
That led to the idea for the bench. He received assistance from several sources, from his Scout leaders in Chanute, to several fellow Scouts.
Young also received a hearty assist from Joe and Janie Works, who donated the metal for the benches, and Mallory Roush, at B&W Trailer Hitches, who assisted him with the welding. He also was able to laser cut the stars and stripes for the flag.
