‘Spoke’tacluar
Eagle Scout rolls out new wooden bike racks in Canton parks, trails
Visitors to several Canton Township parks and trails will notice the addition of new wooden bike racks thanks to the hard work of Jimmy Ackron, a local Boy Scout of Canton Troop 854.
As a Wayne State freshman studying engineering, Ackron undertook the challenge as part of his final Eagle Scout project, which is one of the last steps in achieving the highest rank in scouting. Ackron’s project consisted of researching and developing design plans, fundraising for supplies, and constructing six wooden bike racks.
To accomplish his project, Ackron had to raise more than $500 in funds for the materials, as well as recruit and train more than a dozen of his fellow scouts to help build and stain the structures.
Ackron’s 8-foot-long wooden bike racks can be found at the Canton Lower Rouge Trailhead, located at Michigan Avenue and Morton Taylor Road, on the grounds of the Summit on the Park community recreation center at 46000 Summit Parkway, and on the north side of Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road.
“The entire project was a great experience that taught me a lot,” Ackron said. “This included planning, fundraising, building, and eventually placing the bike racks.” To gain access to Canton parks and the Summit on the Park, Ackron worked closely with Summit staff, as well as his troop, to get their approval.
“Jimmy has been an absolute delight to work with,” said Beth Myers, Summit on the Park special events coordinator. “Seeing him pour such dedication into this project is a powerful example of how success can be achieved at any age.”
Ackron thanked his fellow troopmates for their help in completing all the necessary tasks. “It was great to see this project through successfully from beginning to end, and to instruct and guide other Scouts during the process showed me what it takes to be a good leader,” Ackron said. “It’s a great feeling to see how visitors to these parks are already using them and how it’s making a real difference in their lives without them even realizing it.”
James Ackron, a proud father, said he is proud his son completed the project. He added that he is even happier that his son made a positive contribution to his hometown of Canton. “It was wonderful really seeing him grow and struggle through the challenges to see the end result of all his hard work,” James Ackron said.
Troop 854 is a Boy Scout Troop with the Boy Scouts of America that is part of the Michigan Crossroads Council – Sunset District, chartered by St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Canton. Originally chartered in 1975, Canton Troop 854 has seen more than 125 scouts earn the rank of Eagle.
For additional information on how to submit an Eagle Scout project for consideration, contact the Canton Park Office at (734) 394-5310. For more information about Canton Parks, visit www.cantonmi.org/147.
