Who Let The Dogs Out?

The Leatherstocking Council's newest Eagle Scout: John F. Flanagan, III, of Troop 39, Newport, NY. For his community service project, John led a team of volunteers and generous donors to build a dog park that was recently dedicated "to the residents of Newport and the furry friends loved by them."

Another Boy Scout from our Council proving that one person can make a lasting impact on their community. John F. Flanagan, a Senior at West Canada Valley School in Newport, NY, recently completed his Boy Scout Eagle project and had his board review last night.

As Scouts progress through the ranks in hopes of one day achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, they must plan and carry out a project that benefits an organization outside the Scouts as a demonstration of the leadership skills they have learned.

John has been in scouts since First Grade as a Cub Scout, then a WEBLOS Scout, then a Boy Scout. Over the years he worked hard to progress through the ranks. He learned the stereotypical skills like tying knots and pitching his own tent while camping to more modern activities like checking out airplanes for the Aviation merit badge or building and programing a small robot for Robotics. Once he achieved the rank of Life Scout, he had to plan out and create a project that would be a display of his leadership and the spirit of Scouting.

Since John’s family has always owned a dog and he recognizes how important they can be to their owners. They are loved and treated like members of the family. Being in the Village of Newport there was no place to let dogs run around without a leash and residents taking their dogs for a walk is a common sight on the sidewalk of the village. This was the inspiration for John’s Eagle Project, a community dog park. This would provide a safe and fenced in area where owners could let their pets run free.

This community service project began with John designing a plan for the park including how big, what shape, and what it would be made out of. Then he had to plan out the steps, costs, any special tools or skills needed, and other small details. When the plan was completed and revised a few times he went to the Leatherstocking Council HQ in Utica, NY, and presented his plan for approval. A review board made up of Eagle Scout Alumni makes sure all community service projects proposed by Eagle Scout candidates meet BSA requirements. Having been approved John was now able to begin a more detailed plan, raise funds, get permission and permits and build the park.

His first step was to go before the Village Board, present his idea, and request permission to build it on municipal land on the West Canada Creek. The Village approved his plan and offered to have the vacant, overgrown, swampy lot cleared and leveled for the project. It was up to John to actually build the park. Being inside the Village proper, he had to secure a building permit, obtain liability insurance, locate experts with knowledge of fencing, procure the supplies, and complete the project.

Late fall 2019 John visited with several local companies who do work with fencing. Cook Fence Construction is directly across the West Canada Creek from where the dog park is located and was a logical choice to approach. John visited Mr. Morison and gave him a description of the park. Mr. Morison asked a few questions in return. It was a complete shock when John asked if he may be able to donate some of the fencing or some expertise and Mr. Morison agreed to provide both for the entire project. This was incredible. He then referred John to Mr. Bass for the concrete work required for the entrances.

Mr. Bass is the owner of Art Bass Concrete and was kind enough to offer John his services and some supplies. He provided the forms, the steel mesh, and all the finishing. The concrete was supplied by Mr. Reddington of Reddington Services out of Poland, NY. With these donations the entire entrance was able to be completed in a few weeks.

Then the Scouts and parents spent several more weeks raking the lot to remove stones, leveling out the low spots, and planting grass in the bare areas. The top soil was donated by Poland Sand and Gravel and MAWS Farm provided some hay to cover the new grass seed. These work sessions were usually held in the early morning on a Saturday or Sunday which quickly became the most convenient time for the volunteers.

During several work sessions in August Cook Fence, the Scouts, and parents were able to install all the fencing and completed the project on Aug 22nd. Once everything was completed the residents immediately began to use the dog park. A dedication ceremony was held on 9-11-21 as part of a Village wide get-to-know-you event.

The dog park has become a place where the local folks can gather, talk about things, and watch their dogs play in the park. John’s Eagle Project of the Newport Dog Park serves as a reminder of how a young man can work hard and along with the generosity of the small businesses create something for the whole community to enjoy.

We will have a Q+A published with our Council's newest Eagle Scout coming soon, with photos of John and several dogs who think his service to our community is just great!