By Anna Skinner
For his Eagle Scout project, Westfield resident Raymond Musholt will build a rest depot at the intersection of the Midland Trace Trail and Carey Road. The depot includes two benches. Currently, Musholt is in the fundraising stage of his project and the 17 year old has high hopes.
“I wanted to build something that would last a long time and continue to provide a service to my community for many years,” Musholt said. “I live near Midland Trace Trail and noticed that many nearby residents could use a resting place, especially some of our elderly neighbors.”
Since he was in first grade, Musholt has been in Boy Scouts. His troop, Troop 152, is through St. Maria Goretti Church. Currently, Musholt is a junior at Westfield High School.
Musholt is using the popular concept of crowd-funding to help achieve his goal for the project.
“For all materials and some freight expense, I am raising a total of $4,200. The benches are very expensive, but will last lifetime,” he said. “I am using all volunteer labor. If I find some savings as I go along, I will spend the money on some limited landscaping at the project site. I don’t want any funds to go unused or be wasted.”
He started raising funds last month and plans to reach his goal by late January, when he will order the benches. He will break ground at the site whenever the frost melts, which he expects to be a little after Easter.
“The community will have this spot as a nice place to gather, talk and enjoy life on the trail. It adds value to our quality of life,” Musholt said.
Musholt is raising funds at https://fundly.com/rest-on-midland-trace, and the site also explains about Boy Scouts, the trail, the Westfield community and the parks department.
“When I started, I didn’t really know what the Boy Scouts were all about,” Musholt said. “But I really liked all of the outdoor adventures and challenges like fire-building, wilderness survival skills, hiking, canoeing and life-saving. Plus, I’ve met some really great friends through scouting.”
