Eagle Scout Candidate Simplifies Gardening for the Disabled
Boy Scout Alex Gattone is aiming for his Eagle Scout status, while helping the elderly and disabled gardeners of the community with raised garden beds and a rainwater collection system at the community garden.
Alex Gattone needed an Eagle Scout project, and the Oak Forest Park District needed some help accommodating elderly and disabled residents who wished to garden in the community plots.
Gattone, a member of the Tinley Park-based Boy Scout Troop 385, is a Marist High School freshman. He teamed up with Park District Commissioner and community garden organizer Joe Conway to plan for his project.
Conway suggested that Gattone draft a plan for two raised garden beds for individuals who cannot easily bend over, but would still love to garden in the plots on 151st and Long. The project also included a rain barrel structure designed to capture water runoff.
Gattone took it from there.
He worked with local businesses for the supplies, managed a budget and supervised 30 on-site volunteers last Saturday. The group broke ground around 8 a.m. and had nearly finished the garden beds by noon. The boys also spread mulch in various locations, and cleaned up the garden site.
Eagle Scout status is a prestigious ranking within the Boy Scouts of America organization.
Check out our video of time spent on the garden grounds.
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In This article
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Oak Forest Park District
15601 S. Central Ave, Oak Forest, IL -
Village of Tinley Park
16250 Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL -
Marist High School
4200 W 115th St, Chicago, IL -
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CPFamilyNetwork
3:22 pm on Friday, October 28, 2011
It's great to hear about community service projects benefiting disabled citizens. Many aspects of life are more difficult for those with disabilities. For example, the many doctor visits that go along with special needs can be overwhelming. The paper work that these visits require can be even more daunting. Our goal is to streamline the whole process, using the CP Family Care Guide. It keeps medical records, emergency plans, appointments, and other vital information organized! Check it out here: http://www.cpfamilynetwork.org/survival-guide.