Local Scouts improve Stackhouse Park with Eagle projects
Dec. 30—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — Stackhouse Park has received several upgrades throughout the year, from a new woodshed, a rest area and electrical upgrades to new fencing and seating — all part of local Eagle Scout projects.
Joseph and Benjamin Messina, Gayath Karunaratne, and Conner and Aiden Selders, of Boy Scout Troop 622, completed improvements to the more than 250-acre natural area.
Karunaratne provided electrical system improvements in the lower pavilion area; Conner Selders repaired and installed fencing in the park; and Aiden Selders improved the seating area near the pavilion, that is used for Shakespeare in the Park. All three projects are waiting for Eagle Board review.
Joseph Messina, 17, built a new woodshed for the park in the summer of 2022 near the lower pavilion, while Benjamin Messina created a rest area and scenic overlook along the Crystal Trail in August, complete with mulch, flowers and benches.
The Messina brothers' interest in completing a project in the park was the result of the family's regular use of the area.
"It's a good space for the community," 16-year-old Benjamin Messina said.
His brother agreed, noting that Stackhouse Park is the first overnight camping trip site for many local Scouts.
Joseph Messina said he wanted to improve the park so that other Scouts can make the same positive memories he did there.
The woodshed he constructed was out of necessity, Joseph Messina pointed out. When Scouts camp in Stackhouse Park, they often have to carry lumber from the ranger's station near the Luzerne Street entrance, but now there's a collection area near the lower pavilion for convenience.
"I thought this would make it a little bit easier," Joseph Messina said.
As for Benjamin Messina's project, he noticed a cut-out on the Crystal Trail and sought to beautify the natural overlook.
The boys' parents are proud of their sons' work.
"I love that they picked this place," their mother, Allison Messina, said. "I love that when they move on, this will still be here."
The boys' father, John Messina, added that he appreciates that the Scouts chose projects that serve the Stackhouse Park community.
"We're just happy that the youth use and love the park, and want to give back," Stackhouse Park board chairwoman Lauren Lazzari said.
She noted that any time a Scout approaches the board with a request for a project, the group accommodates that inquiry because they all support Scouting.
And it's not just Boy Scouts. Many Girl Scouts also complete Bronze and Silver projects in Stackhouse Park.
"There's just so much community support," Lazzari said.
Lazzari said having Scouts invest in the park also helps keep it as a community asset for generations to come.
Another connection for the Eagle Scouts who worked in Stackhouse Park is that many of them are Westmont Hilltop High School soccer players and cross country runners.
Hunter Smith, of Troop 271, who completed his Eagle Scout project of a water feature at SEADS Garden Center near the park, and Aiden Selders are on the cross country team.
Another Scout from their troop, Andy Messina, will start his Eagle Scout project in the spring, but has yet to decide on a project.
