Submitted by Vivian Reynolds:
Tony Morris (center), is flanked by Diane Morris (left, mom), Advancement Chair for Troop 367 and the Walton Trail District, and Roger Morris (right, dad), Scoutmaster, Troop 367.
Tony’s Eagle Scout Project
Tony Morris, fifteen-year-old Life Scout with BSA Troop 367, has made a significant contribution to the families of Smith County through his Eagle Scout project: the rebuilding of the playground near the softball fields at Crump Paris Park. Through the years, the old one had become unsightly and unsafe as well as too small to serve an increasing number of children at events.
Tony became aware of this need through County Mayor Michael Nesbitt who provided project guidance and fiscal oversight as well as hands-on assistance with mulching. Thanks to Cumberland Supply’s donation of building materials, enough money was saved to purchase and install a perimeter wall to hold the mulch and delineate the playground.
Smith County Mayor Michael Nesbitt (left) declared July 23rd, 2018, as a Day of Recognition of Tony Morris, because “it is appropriate to acknowledge Smith County’s debt of gratitude to a young man who has been willing to serve the people of Smith County.”
In Tony’s Words
“We started in March of 2018. My father and I went up just to test the safety of the old playground and when I grabbed a railing, it came off! From there, my project started. We tore down the old playground, but kept the slides, fireman’s pole, corkscrew, and connector tunnel. The county had approved a limited budget of about $2,500. One slide alone would cost us nearly $14,000 so we kept the old slides, which are in fine condition, and continued working. Another big bump in the road was the fact that we had to find the electricity lines and water lines. We were unable to find a distinct location, so we just ended up having to use the old post holes, rather than dig new ones, which actually aligned with my original concept. That was all fine. We were perfectly able to fit just about everything into the old form factor of the previous playground. It’s pretty wild to reflect through all of the cold and rainy work days and now hot and humid days to this day where we see a new playground which is much safer and has more to offer than the old one. There is now a shift-bridge, monkey bars, climbing wall, and actual stairs, and more! Thanks to all those who helped me.”
Now What?
Tony’s completion of a significant community service project fulfills a major requirement for earning the coveted rank of Eagle Scout; however, other requirements remain. Once completed, Tony will be ready for an Eagle Scout Board of Review.
Call Roger Morris (615-774-3159) if you want to know more about Scouting for ages 11-17 in the Smith County area. Help a young person escape to the great outdoors: Join Scouting!
Tony Morris proves that a section of the playground also provides an excellent venue for picture taking!
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