Eagle Scout project adds pavilion at Holley’s Canal Park, upgrades kiosk

Photos by Ginny Kropf: John Patt of Holley stands by the pavilion in Holley Erie Canal Park which he is building for his Eagle Scout project. The pavilion stands near the bank of the Erie Canal, but also overlooks Salt Port Pond in the park.

HOLLEY – Visitors to Holley’s Canal Park soon will be able to enjoy the results of an Eagle Scout’s project.

John Patt of Holley, a member of Troop 94 in Kendall, is building a pavilion in the park to earn his Eagle Scout badge. The pavilion is 12’ x 12’, will sit on a four-inch concrete pad and have a tin roof in barn red to match other nearby structures.

John, a son of Jim and Debbie Patt of Holley, got the idea for the pavilion because he said there wasn’t anything like that along the canal in the Holley area for walkers or visitors to get out of the weather and rest.

As part of his Eagle Scout project, John Patt will make improvements to this kiosk in Holley Erie Canal Park, including a new map.

And he wanted to give back to the community, he said.

Before he could begin his project, John made a presentation for the village and mayor.

A week after contacting the mayor, John got a call saying that Mayor Kevin Lynch was okay with it.

Next John met with representatives of the Iroquois Trail Council of the Boy Scouts. They also signed off on the project.

It took two months of planning and meetings.

John went online to look for ideas for pavilions, then used that information to create his own plan. Next he made a list of materials he would need. Scoutmaster Ken Spohr is very knowledgeable about construction, and helped John, said Debbie Patt.

More support came from Dan Klips, owner of Stockham Lumber, who also happens to be an Eagle Scout. He went over John’s list and made suggestions. Other help came from fellow Scouts and their parents.

Spohr owns an auger and brought his equipment to dig the post holes, then John and his helpers had to finish digging the holes by hand.

In addition to the physical labor, John had to raise funds for his project. He visited many organizations and community members, doing presentations and asking for money. The initial cost was estimated at $1,700, but in the end, with the cost of paint, it will be closer to $2,500.

The Holley June Fest takes place in the park the first Saturday of June and John said the pavilion will be a really nice thing to have for that.

Also part of his Eagle Scout project will be to refurbish a nearby kiosk which holds a map and list of things in Holley. The kiosk needs painting and the map needs to be replaced, John said.

John, a senior at Holley Junior-Senior High School, is pushing to have his Eagle Scout project finished by the end of April.