The City of Chattanooga’s Outdoor Chattanooga division received a special gift this summer when Eagle Scout Michael Monroe completed a project to rebuild a canoe storage rack on North Chickamauga Creek at Greenway Farm, in Hixson.
The old canoe rack, which stored Outdoor Chattanooga’s 10-canoe fleet, had been destroyed by high flood waters in June 2013.
“Michael’s scoutmaster, Mike Montgomery, came to us last summer, asking if we had any projects that were appropriate for Eagle Scouts,” said Outdoor Chattanooga Recreation Programs Coordinator Terri Chapin. “We had just recovered a couple of runaway canoes and what was left of our canoe rack after the flood. Mike and I both agreed that a new rack would be a perfect project, but we certainly didn’t expect the delightful extra amenities that Michael produced with his project.”
Mr. Monroe, who is a member of Boy Scot Troop 219, began the project in July 2013. The project consisted of creating a landing above the flood plain on N. Chickamauga Creek, emplacing a retaining wall, installing a large bench for seating and rebuilding and relocating the canoe rack. Mr. Monroe recorded over 600 hours of preparation and volunteer time to complete the task.
"Having our canoe fleet stored in a secure, safe location is important to the success of our programs,” said Coordinator Chapin. “Easy access to the water ensures our staff can work efficiently and that our participants have a lot more fun. We’re extremely grateful to Michael and the Boy Scouts.”
Mr. Monroe’s Eagle Scout project was done in cooperation with Lowe’s and volunteers from his troop, as well as from Eagle Scout Coordinator Skip Robinson, Scout Master Mike Montgomery, Troop Leader Darrell Burt, Troop 219 Scouts and his friends and family.