Eagle Scout Beautifies New Centennial Park Signage

Next time you're stopped at the intersection of University Avenue and Warrior Lane, look to the northeast corner of Centennial Park and send a little shout out Tanner Peard.

Peard, 17, along with a bevy of volunteers, landscaped around the newly-installed signage for last Saturday. 

The project was the final step in Peard's quest to become a full-fledged Eagle Scout. He's been a scout for six years in Waukee and said he chose the project with residents of the city in mind.

"I was trying to find something that would help the city, too," he said. "I wanted to do something that everyone could enjoy."

Peard, a senior at Waukee High School, approached Parks & Recreation director Matt Jermier looking for ideas when the topic of the signage came up.

"One of the major components of the parks and open spaces comprehensive plans was to implement uniform park signage," he said. "Tanner came to me about doing his Eagle Scout project right around the time we were working it and we agreed this would be a good one for him to do."

The project entailed landscaping around the stone sign that was installed the week of July 4. Peard said he and the other volunteers planted three pear trees, three crab apple trees and a host of perennials near the corner of Centennial Park. New mulch was also laid at that time.

To pay for the cost of landscaping the area, Peard will host a special pancake breakfast on Saturday, Aug. 4 at the , 445 Maple Street, Waukee from 7-11 a.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children. They can be purchased at Waukee Hardware or at the door. All proceeds go back to paying for the cost of landscaping the project.

Peard's dad, Mayor Bill Peard, said he was proud of his son for all the hard work he's done in school and in scouting.

"He's an extremely smart kid," said Bill Peard. "I can't think of a kid who has shown more maturity than he has. He's been so focused on this project - on getting his Eagle Scout award - while working at the hardware store and also training for football. He's a doer and his mom and I couldn't be more proud of him."

When asked how he felt about his project, Tanner Peard felt confident residents would enjoy the enhancement.

"I think it turned out pretty good," he said. "Now that it's all completed, it looks great.

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Tanner Peard's Eagle Scout Fundraising Pancake Breakfast

Where: Maple Street Community Center, 445 Maple St., Waukee

Hours: 7-11 a.m.

Cost: Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children. They can be purchased at Waukee Hardware or at the door. All proceeds go back to paying for the cost of landscaping the project.