An Eagle for a Former Mini Golf Course: Woodbury Scout Project

It used to be a mini golf course. It’s a lot greener now.

As part of his Eagle Scout service project, Robert Nelson on Sunday completed a wholesale landscaping renovation in a yard at Woodbury’s Math and Science Academy.

While brainstorming ideas for the project, Robert noticed the old mini golf course—initially installed to teach students about the cell—had been neglected.

“I’ve seen it slowly deteriorate,” said Robert, part of Troop 513 based out of Woodbury Baptist Church. “I’m like, There’s a big pile of dirt, I need to do this.”

The work began in July, and with the school on board, he began making plans for new sod, plants and landscaping features. Asked how he gained the knowhow to create the project, Robert answered simply.

“Internet,” he said.

So he started raising money, dressing in his Scout uniform and asking for funds during MSA’s back-to-school night. In all, he raised about $1,500 and got plenty of volunteer hours from friends and family. (He also got a $100 Lowe’s gift card from the local Scout headquarters.)

The approximately 3,500-square-foot parcel at the Math and Science Academy features lush sod, recycled landscaping rocks and bricks, a few dozen plants, and a sprinkler system that’s up and running again. He hopes it will be used for everything from football to Frisbee.

“I think it turned out great,” Robert said.

So does Colleen Corrigan, who lives adjacent to the school.

“I was absolutely amazed,” she said. “It looks like it was professionally done.”

Robert said he enjoys Scouting.

“It provides unique opportunities that no other organization can offer—whether it’s a weeklong camp or going down to Florida,” he said.

Robert said he also appreciates giving back to MSA, where he said he has “improved everything” since coming there as a student five years ago.

Walking the grounds on Monday, Robert said it’s nice to see the project finished.

“I’m glad it’s done,” he said. “But I’ll be even more glad when I get my Eagle rank."

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