The gazebo at Ring’s Pond is about to get a makeover courtesy of Boy Scout Greg Moretto. The Cornwall High School senior is expecting to complete the job this summer as part of his Eagle Scout project.
When he was younger, Moretto recalled his mother taking him to the gazebo and explaining it was dedicated to the heroism of Ken Kumpel, who died on 9/11 in one of the twin towers.
“It always impressed me,” Moretto said. “When it came time to decide on my Eagle project, this was really the only option for me. I think it’s important, for something in his memory, to look nice, especially in the center of town, but more importantly to honor the memory of a local hero. I think it needs a little TLC and after I’m done it will look a lot nicer.”
The project has already been approved by the Town Board, but Moretto is scheduled to meet with the district’s Boy Scout council next Wednesday and is tentatively planning to begin work on his project on July 19. He said he can technically start the day after approval is granted, but he wants to take a week to fund raise and gather materials.
Moretto said there are strict rules when it comes to Eagle projects, and fund raising can’t begin until the final okay is granted. He plans to reach out to friends and family for donations, and solicit help from local landscaping businesses and retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot.
The project entails repainting the gazebo floor and removing bird nests and spider webs from the ceiling. Two raised beds will be created on either side and filled with perennials. A backless bench will be placed on the far side of the gazebo to allow visitors to look out at the pond. Finally, Moretto plans to re-engrave the plaque above the entrance.
In seeking assistance with the project, Moretto will follow his troop’s recommendation and involve younger Scouts so they get the experience they will need when they are Eagle candidates. Additional help will come from friends and family.
One of the greatest challenges will be making sure his volunteers work together and manage their time properly.
“I’ve learned to lead by example,” Moretto said. “The point of an Eagle project isn’t to do the whole thing, but take steps to initiate different aspects of the project and to show them I’m working with them, not that they’re working for me.“
Moretto anticipates it will take six to eight two-hour sessions to complete the job. Although work hasn’t started, he’s already anticipating becoming an Eagle.
“It will mean a lot to me. It’s six years of countless hours and time, commitment, and dedication. Just to see it all culminate in the Eagle Scout rank will be huge for me. It shows hard work does pay off.”