For my Eagle Scout project, I constructed and installed eight concrete launch pads for the disc golf course at Patriots Elementary School in Concord.
The project provides a safe and durable launch pad area for players from the public and students of Patriots Elementary and C.C. Griffin Middle schools. Each launch pad is 4 inches thick and measure 4 feet by 8 feet, but two pads are leveled with sand and have wooden retaining walls.
The money was allocated for purchasing the materials needed to build eight concrete launch pads, as well as tools we may need to rent, such as wheelbarrows. Remaining funds will be used to feed the volunteers or will be donated directly to Patriots Elementary School.
1. Planning phase
1. Met with the project beneficiary and construction mentor: Confirmed their needs, goals, location, and design preferences for the concrete pads.
2. Took site measurements: Visited the school and measure where each 5×8 concrete pad will be placed.
3. Researched materials and costs: Created a detailed list of materials, tools, and safety gear, and estimate the prices.
4. Wrote plan and get approval: Found and worked with adults who can guide us to ensure a safer working enviroment.
Review and share BSA Safety Guidelines: Study the “Age Guidelines for Tool Use” and other BSA safety rules to assign tasks appropriately.
5. Fundraised money: Started and set up a GoFundMe account, fundraising dinners, and other private/corporate donations.
6. Designed a work schedule: Brokee the project into stages (site prep, building forms, pouring concrete, cleanup).
7. Recruited volunteers: Reached out to scouts, students, disc golfers, and family to help and organize them into teams with clear roles.
2. Execution phase
1. Purchased materials, and/or rented tools.
2. Continued to Recruit volunteers: Reached out to scouts, students, disc golfers, and family to help and organize them into teams with clear roles.
3. Designed a work schedule: Broke the project into stages (site prep, building forms, pouring concrete, cleanup) for each work day.
4. Provided guidance and expectations for the work day.
5. Provided food and beverages to volunteers. Made sure to have First aid kit on site.
3. Finised!!!
After 8 long months, the construction phase of the project was finally completed on May 20th at 1pm. The entire project took 20 volunteers, 256-288 gallons of water, 336ft of wood, 256 sqft of chicken wire/weed barrier, 1 ton of sand, 11,200lbs of concrete carried with 141 80lb bags, and 9.6lbs of screws (192 screws. I want to give thanks to my family for helping me stay consistent with working and managing the project, my troop for the help they provided me constructing Hole #3, STEM for the 2 volunteers that came out to help, and Mrs. Caligan, Mr. Bill, Vince, and Kate Highsmith for guidance, bringing volunteers, ideas, and labor.
Hole #2
Hole #3
Hole #4
Hole #5/9
Hole #6
Hole #7
Hole #8
