A new addition to Linnean Park is an Eagle Scout service project and an ideal ‘shinrin-yoku’ spot

by John Burwell

Scout Troop 100 has once again contributed an amenity for the enjoyment of visitors in Linnean Park, thanks to a recent Eagle Scout service project.

On May 3, Life Scout and Sidwell Friends junior Ian Condon led almost 20 scouts from his troop in assembling and installing a heavy-duty metal park bench, now perched hillside with a commanding view of the pond where frogs and ducks rule.

As if that wasn’t enough, in the continuing Linnean Park reforestation effort, scouts found “forever homes” for 15 trees. Oak, tulip and hackberry trees were planted, watered and mulched, and protected from deer with fencing.

Ian contacted me in January about possible options for an Eagle Scout service project. He favored the idea of a bench installation in Linnean Park. We met in March and selected two sites we thought would be excellent choices.

Peter Nohrden, a member of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation planning and design team, visited the park in early April to survey and review site choices with myself and Ian. And to our surprise, Peter informed us that DPR could donate a bench. We are very thankful for their generous donation.

Our initial installation plan included digging and installing four concrete footings that would then serve as a secure surface for bolting down the bench. Peter expressed concern for close by tree roots that would likely be seriously impacted by the proposed digging.

We settled on another location, still near the stream, centrally located and less likely to impact the health of nearby trees. After reconsideration of our initial plan, we submitted a new proposal for a different method of installation and received approval with detailed DPR caveats for installation at our preferred spot.

Our new method was to secure the bench by driving four three-foot-long threaded rods into the earth. Ian led his fellow scouts through the process, which proved to be a well thought-out and executed plan.

We very lightly excavated the soil, filled in with gravel and packed it tightly, often checking our levels throughout. We used a plywood template to align the rods to the bench legs.

Ian advised his scouts of the importance of carefully following our plan as well as the details requested by DPR to deliver a safe, secure and satisfactory installation conclusion. Scouts were advised and required to always wear gloves as well as safety glasses when hammering.

This attention to detail proved worthy when scouts lifted the bench over the rods and down; the alignment was perfect. Mission accomplished!

We then used the saved excavated earth to gently smooth and even out the approach and gradual rise for a safe transition between earth and gravel. We further finished under and surrounding the bench with shredded hardwood mulch.

Peter Nohrden of DPR said: “Your attention to detail and the quality on the hard work of Troop 100 will not go unnoticed and I hope many a park visitor will have the opportunity to ‘shinrin-yoku,’ which is the Japanese term for ‘forest bathe’ or ‘immerse in the forest’. I definitely look forward to getting out there later this month to pause and enjoy this spot myself!”

We hope everyone visiting the park will take a seat and soak in the natural environment.