By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

 PELHAM – Presented by Life Scout Cliff Windham, the Pelham City Council approved an Eagle Scout project to install metal benches and exercise stations in Carroll Park on the southern end of the Chandalar subdivision at a city council meeting on Monday, Sept. 16.

Windham’s Eagle Scout project has already been approved by the Pelham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and is pending approval by Pelham’s structural engineer.

Eagle Scout projects are a requirement for scouts that have ascended the ranks and wish to achieve the highest distinction possible. The projects are designed to teach scouts a myriad of lessons such as leadership skills and project management, but mostly importantly, give back to the community.

Windham lives in the Chandalar subdivision, so when the Life Scout began to brain storm ideas for his Eagle Scout service project, Carroll Park immediately came to mind.

“I’ve always seen that park as underutilized green space,” Windham said. “And don’t get me wrong, (green spaces) are great, but there could be so much more there.”

For the project, Windham plans to install a set of two benches and three exercise stations around the park to hopefully encourage residents to go outside and exercise.

“As part of that obligation under the scouting side, I am required to fundraise for and manage the construction of this project,” Windham said. “I will have to lead a team of my fellow scouts in accomplishing this. Provided the city approves it, the city engineer approves it and my superiors in scouting approve it, I will initiate fundraising as soon as possible.”

As an Eagle Scout himself, Councilmember David Coram shared that he is proud of Windham’s achievements and his desire to give back to Pelham.

“Thank you for your willingness to do this project,” Coram said. “As I mentioned in the work session, I’m a fellow Eagle Scout. I remember what all goes into that, so I appreciate you taking that and utilizing it for this community.”

In addition, Councilmember Rick Wash echoed this statement and thanked Windham for the pride he has in his city.

“Citizens like you make Pelham what it is,” Wash said. “It’s important that you have pride in your community that you want to give back. Hopefully, that’s something that you will instill in others and you will carry that your whole life wherever you end up. But never forget: Pelham’s your home.”

If everything proceeds on schedule, Windham plans to install the new benches and exercise stations in November.