David Shapiro - Eagle Scout

4/12/2010
 

Eagle Project

 
Discovery Playground - Tarpon Springs
 
Completed 12/28/2009
 
 

My proposed project will be to do the following at Discovery Playground in Tarpon Springs Florida:

·         remove the graffiti

·         repair or replace the sagging chains

·         install benches

 

One of the main reasons I chose this project is that my parents helped build the original play structures. As a child, I used to go and play there every weekend with my sister and father until it was closed several years ago. When Discovery Playground reopened I went to take a look at it to find that is was in a state of disrepair. I decided that it was time to give back to a place that harbors so many happy memories for me.

 

My project will benefit the community of Tarpon Springs by providing a clean safe and fun place for parents to bring their kids on weekends and after school

 

Discovery Playground currently has graffiti in many places, loose chains on the play structures and almost no sitting area. My plan is to:

 

  1. Remove the graffiti with a pressure washer.
  2. Tighten the chains by cutting a few links and reattaching them.
  3. Install three new benches (1 each behind the Tire Swing, Swing Set Left Side, Swing Set Right Side)
    1. The posts will be cut from 6”X6” lumber that will be notched to accommodate the bench seat supports.
    2. Holes will be dug for the posts to be set into and filled with concrete once the posts are set
    3. The bench seat and back supports will be cut and assembled from 2”X6” lumber held together by galvanized carriage bolts and nuts.
    4. The supports will be attached to the posts with galvanized carriage bolts and nuts.
    5. The bench seat and back boards will be cut from 2”X6” lumber

                                                              i.      Each board will be routered with a quarter round bit to prevent splinters.

                                                            ii.      Each board will be attached to the supports with galvanized screws.

 

I will accomplish this by gaining volunteers from my troop. I have researched the price of materials and come up with an estimated cost of $550.00. This will be raised through various fundraisers such as car washes and pancake breakfasts. Safety risks will be avoided by wearing protective gear such as safety glasses, gloves, facemasks, etc when appropriate.

Aerial Photo of Discovery Playground

and Project Item Locations

'X' Indicates Location of new benches
 
'BEFORE' Photos
 
Entrance Graffitti

Castle Graffitti

Tot Lot Graffitti

Monkey Bridge Chains

Cargo Net Chains

Spider Web Chains

Tire Swing

Swings (Left Side)

Swings (Right Side)

 

 
'AFTER' Photos
 

Entrance (No) Graffiti

Castle (No) Graffiti

Tot Lot (No) Graffiti

Monkey Bridge Chains

Cargo Net Chains

Spider Web Chains

Swings

Final Benches

The Troop 475 Crew

 

 
The 'Troop 475 Bench'

Dimensioning and Materials List by David Shapiro

A PDF of this bench design is available at: Troop475-bench-plans.pdf

 

 

 

Donations

Special Thanks For their Monetary Support!

 

Mike Fitzpatrick

Jim Maher

Chris Clement

Jack Brawner

Sean Cook

Leza Mesiah

Phil Musto

Jose’ Sepulveda

Jim Wasenda

CVS 19 & Tarpon

Lowes Hilsborough Gift Card

Randy Flynn

Steve Shapiro

Friends of Jill Shapiro

 

 

Time and Effort

Special Thanks For their Time and Effort!

 

Andrew Bogdan

Andrew Runnels

Austin Drabek

Bill Jones

Brent Curry

Daniel Jones

Daniel Rosato

Dawn Guju

Fred Barton

Gina Denman

Hope Drabek

Jane Kniffen

Joey Esterline

Jorge Torres Jr.

Karl Bogdan

Kent Hammond

Margo Hoffman

Matt Chissell

Nick Fatolitis

Phil Gillespie

Ross Guju

Ryan Curry

Scott Drabek

Scott Witt

Sean Salmen

Steve Shapiro

T. J. Rudkin