This pavilion is an example of what the one in Morley Park would look like.

Kevin Galloway would like to build a covered pavilion in Morley Park.

By Judy Reed

‘Tis the season for giving, and an area teenager is modeling that with his plan to give back to the community while earning his Eagle Scout rank. And he’s hoping other residents and business owners will come alongside him and help him do it.

Kevin Galloway, 16, a sophomore at Cedar Springs High School, spoke with City Manager Thad Taylor last year about repairing the gazebo in Morley Park in order to earn his Eagle Scout rank. When it was deemed structurally unsafe and torn down, he came up with another idea. “My goal is to build a 20 x 36 pavilion,” explained Galloway. “This pavilion will be maintenance free and fit 8-10 picnic tables. The pavilion will be placed behind the Cedar Springs Museum, off of the parking lot for easy handicap access.”

The Cedar Springs City Council approved the project, and Galloway is now trying to raise funds for the project. His budget estimate is $17, 325. He has currently raised $9,000. Gust Construction will be the general contractor overseeing the project, to make sure things are done correctly, explained Galloway. He hopes to build the pavilion in the springs of 2015, but the project cannot be started until all the funds are raised. He is looking for both funding and people willing to help work on the project.

The Cedar Springs Rotary is the Boy Scout Charter, and they have a tax-deductible account for all of the money that is raised. Donation checks can be made payable to the Cedar Springs Rotary Club Foundation. The address is: PO Box 73, Cedar Springs MI 49341. Make a note in the memo section that the money is for Eagle Scout Project.

Galloway said he would be happy to meet with area businesses or community members to explain the project in more detail. He said the best way to contact him is through email at tnbgallo@aol.com.