Rich Beckert, left, stands with volunteers who helped him build a bridge for his Eagle Scout project. From left,  Kolette and Rick Beckert, Curtis Rashell, Joe and Stephen Moore, and Jim, Brent and Barbara Gutmann. - Courtesy photo.
Courtesy photo.
Rich Beckert, left, stands with volunteers who helped him build a bridge for his Eagle Scout project. From left, Kolette and Rick Beckert, Curtis Rashell, Joe and Stephen Moore, and Jim, Brent and Barbara Gutmann.

Eagle Scout builds bridge for off-leash dog park


May 31, 2012 · 6:54 PM

MARYSVILLE — Rich Beckert, a Troop 82 Boy Scout, recently completed his Eagle Scout project to build a bridge over a river rock bed at Strawberry Fields for Rover Off-Leash Dog Park.

Rich, 17, and parents Rick and Kolette Beckert were joined by Troop 82 volunteers at a work party on May 19 to install the 10-foot-long treated-wood bridge across a rock bed and drainage bypass, improving access for visitors and their dogs, and connecting both ends of the three-acre park located at 6100 152nd St. NE.

Beckert coordinated his project with the Marysville Dog Owners Group, the volunteer group that provides stewardship and maintenance for the facility in cooperation with the Marysville Parks and Recreation Department. Beckert’s project encompassed all stages of development, from planning and approval to overseeing work crews and carrying it out.

Additionally, Beckert was required to collect and seek funding for all his materials from local businesses, including help from E & E Lumber, before presenting his project to groups that included M-DOG and the Marysville Kiwanis Club.

“Off-leash park users and their dogs are indebted to Rich and his leadership for this attractive and functional new park feature,” says Leslie Buell, M-DOG President.

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