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Chase LaMastres built this observation deck and benches in Wetland Park near West Elementary for his Eagle project. LaMastres says he's pleased with the way the project turned out and wants to see people make use of it. 

Trail Scouts
By David Dinell
Last Updated: June 23, 2016

Looking to earn Eagle Award, Boy Scouts create recreational resources in previously undeveloped city park

Valley Center High School students Chase LaMastres and Derek Dunn have been in scouting for a long time together — ever since they were in Cub Scouts in elementary school. Now, years later, the two, both 16 and juniors this fall, have completed the capstone to their years of scouting by finishing their Eagle Scout Service Project for the Boy Scouts. 

Typical of doing so much together, they also did their projects side by side, although each had his own activity. Both of the projects are at Wetland Park, which is just west of West Elementary School.

Dunn's work involved making a 900-foot walking trail while LaMastres built an observation deck and benches.

Both talked to officials at the city's parks department to see what type of work was needed, and these projects were suggested by Neal Owings, park superintendent. 

There were other possible service projects, such as painting fire hydrants, but this seemed more "in depth," LaMastres said. While the work was done in the late spring, the process began last year when the two started planning the projects and how they were going to tackle them. 

For the trail, it took about two weeks for Dunn to clear all the brush. The city of Valley Center donated the trail material, which is crushed asphalt, and brought it to the site. From there, Dunn spread it out. 

For the deck and two benches, the lumber was donated by Westar and made from old telephone poles. 

"It was all weathered and used so I didn't have to worry about it shrinking," LaMastres said. 

He did most of the work at his house, brought it down to the work site in three sections and put it all together. Other than working on a fence in his backyard, it was his first time working on such a project. 

The site was chosen by the city, and LaMastres agreed that it was a good pick. 

"They have a lot of trees around it, and it's kind of camouflaged," he said.

At the same time, it's at a close point to the water, providing a good view. 

The projects can be seen during daylight, but watch out for the mosquitoes, which are thick this time of the year. 

The two haven't received their badges yet, but when the paperwork is done and the projects approved, they have a ceremony with their fellow scouts in Troop 494.

Earning the Eagle Scout rank, the highest a scout can achieve, is no small feat. Only 4 percent of scouts, or about 57,000, get the ranking each year, which requires a major service project such as the one Dunn and LaMastres built. To even get to that level, a scout must earn 21 merit badges, including 13 required ones. 

Not only do the boys go to school together, they want to go to the same university, in this case, KU. Both, though, have different career plans. LaMastres wants to be an allergist and Dunn wants to go into politics. 

Thinking ahead, the boys say the achievement can help them in their professional life, along with being a positive experience for themselves and the community.

"It does looks good on a resume," LaMastres said of the project.

The two will be joining some famous scouts who have gone before them since the award began in 1912.  

Among those with the ranking are Wichita-born Robert Gates, who went on to be U.S. Secretary of Defense, chief executive of the Boy Scouts and a university president. In addition, there have been 40 astronauts who have earned the rank.

Both Dunn and LaMastres say they got a great sense of accomplishment from their hard work. 

"I like it a lot," LaMastres said. 

When the weather cools off — and the mosquitoes go away — both are hopeful many people will be able to use the projects. A lot of people don't even know the area is there, and they would like to see residents make use of it along with students from the nearby school on nature study field trips, they say.





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