Ocala scout's Eagle project: Help improve the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park
Logan Catalanotto’s Eagle Scout project is a supersized thank you to veterans.
Logan, 17, a senior at Forest High School and a scout since first grade, decided to make his Eagle Scout project an estimated $32,000 upgrade to the State Flag Commons area of the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, 2601 E. Fort King St., Ocala.
Logan’s troop, Scouts BSA Troop 72 of Ocala, has held events at the park over the last two years and Logan wanted to show his gratitude.
“I wanted to give back,” Logan said.
A groundbreaking workday was held recently at the park.
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Here's what the project entails
The project involves removing 50 15-foot flagpoles that are held in the ground with cement collars. They fly the flags of each of the states.
Mulch will be removed and the ground leveled.
Project plans then call for the installation of 4,000 square feet of concrete sidewalk to surround the 50 flagpoles and three additional Florida flags. They will connect the flag area sidewalk with the sidewalk at the Florida Plaza and Medal of Honor Plaza.
The improvements will be 'a breath of fresh air'
Todd Belknap, a spokesman for Friends of Marion County Veteran's Park/Exhibit and Education Center, an all-volunteer foundation, said Logan’s decision to make improvements to the park is a “breath of fresh air.”
“The project is a tremendous undertaking and (the project) renews your faith in the future generation,” he said.
Logan’s father, Frank, who was at the inaugural work session, said scouting has been an “absolutely” good program for his son and a character builder.
Logan said his father encouraged him in scouting and he “stuck with it.” Now he's on the path to Eagle.
Volunteers from Logan’s Troop 72 who are helping include John Wagner, 12, Harrison Heath, 16, Owen Gehrsitz, 12, Nicholas Eggers, 15, and his brother Alex, 13.
Eagle Scout Brock Ramey, 19, and his brother, Brayden, 16, were also on hand for the recent work session.
Kaniel Edwards, an Eagle Scout, also volunteered, according to Frank Catalanotto.
The adult volunteers include Frank Catalanotto; Carl Bauer, father of Brady Bauer, an Eagle Scout with Troop 72; troop committee member Tim Fischer; and Troop 72 Scoutmaster Sandy Clardy
By midday on the workday, the scouts and adult volunteers had removed most of the flagpoles.
Jeffrey Askew, director of the Marion County Veterans Services Office and supervisor of the park, praised Logan's commitment.
“We really appreciate Logan's dedication and his contribution to the park. The maintenance required in the Flags Commons area will also be greatly reduced by Logan's project," Askew said.
Askew indicated additional lighting is under consideration for the project area.
Stacie Causey, public relations specialist with Marion County government, said the county is supporting the project.
"Marion County Parks & Recreation is aware of this project and has partnered with Logan as he continues to gather donations. We are working with Logan and his father, Veterans Services, county administration, and the Friends of the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on the proposed enhancements,” Causey wrote in an email.
"The community’s backing of this project fuels its momentum as we near the completion of the planning and design phase," Causey stated.
Joey Amodo with Marion County Parks & Recreation checked in on the first workday and spoke with Logan.
The project is expected to take until May. Logan is also spearheading the fundraising efforts for the project.
It's not easy making Eagle. Here's a glance at what is required
The successful completion of an Eagle Scout project with community benefit is one of the primary requirements in attaining the top rank in Scouts BSA.
Eagle Scout candidates also must earn six ascending ranks, 21 merit badges, serve in a position of responsibility for at least six months, and participate in a scoutmaster conference, the Scouts BSA website, Scouting.org, states.
According to Scouting.org, in 2019, 8% of scouts – or 61,366 scouts – made Eagle rank and their average age was 17.3 years.
Ron Oppinger, chairman of Friends of Marion County Veterans Park, said the Eagle project, the second phase of ongoing improvements, will reduce maintenance at the Flag Commons area.
Scoutmaster Clardy said Troop 72, established in 1934, has had 84 scouts make Eagle rank, 50 of those under his leadership, including Logan.
“(Logan’s) is a big project," Clardy said.
Call 352-804-5355 for information on donating to the Logan Catlanotto Eagle Scout project