The Carlsbad City Council honored Eagle Scout candidate Ben Schafer Tuesday for constructing a footbridge across a busy trail in Lake Calavera Preserve.
Schafer and his fellow Troop 748 members raised approximately $575 for the materials and built the bridge in one weekend, dedicating 150 hours of volunteer service to the trail improvement. Schafer and a group of 15 volunteers constructed the footbridge of pressed lumber on concrete footings to replace a makeshift creek crossing composed of beat-up tires and old lumber. Schafer worked closely with City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department Park Planning Manager Liz Ketabian and park maintenance staff to select and construct the project.
“The City of Carlsbad is very grateful for the contribution that Ben and his troop made to improve Lake Calavera Preserve,” Ketabian said. “Hikers will cross that bridge for many years to come, so Ben can be proud of having made a significant contribution to their enjoyment of the preserve’s trails.”
Eagle Scout is the highest level in Boy Scouting, and to attain that rank a candidate must plan, develop, and direct a community service project. Schafer, 18, was a Carlsbad High School senior when he designed and built the new footbridge. “I feel good about the project and I feel good that my work is appreciated,” he said.
–City of Carlsbad
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