Palatine Senior Center benefits from Eagle Scout project

Kyle Bean completed his Eagle Scout project for the Palatine Senior Center.

Fulfilling the requirements for his Eagle Scout project, a Palatine teen selflessly committed himself to the task of giving back to his community. He focused his attention on the Palatine Senior Citizen facility and was able to create a redesigned and newly enhanced recreational area on a once abandoned rooftop deck; as well as build a large shelving unit. The end result provided the facility with an abundance of storage space and a beautiful area to relax.

Kyle Bean's Eagle Scout project was to expand the general use of the facility's rooftop deck. The deck had originally been abandoned and served little to no use. Observing all of the potential to be had, Bean built and installed a cedar table, two cedar benches, four baggo games with bag sets and a large cedar trellis planter box for gardening.

Raising the necessary funds required for the project's materials, Bean, and an additional 40 scouts in Boy Scout Troop 209 of Palatine, were able to construct all of the additions for the outdoor deck. They were also successful in installing an enlarged shelving unit for increased storage.

"Kyle and the others from Troop 209 provided all the supplies for the table, trellis planter box and bench project, including weather-resistant cedar wood, exterior paint for the baggo boxes, tools and a $50 Home Depot card for the soil and flowers," said Carol Reagan, Palatine Senior Center facility director.

She offered her sincere thanks, adding "this young man and his team did a wonderful job."

Program director Diane Lancour worked closely with Bean in acquiring all the necessary items needed to complete the project. Her feedback and general knowledge were instrumental in completing the project. "There's nothing quite as satisfying as a round of outdoor games and the opportunity to catch some fresh air. The newly positioned table and benches are the perfect height for members to enjoy all of the comforts accompanying a lovely day's weather."

"This is very exciting for the residents to be able to sit, relax and play games by the beautiful flowers after they have been planted. The Senior Center also plans to add a large umbrella for shade to the space," said facility coordinator Web Eby. "We feel very fortunate to have had Kyle choose us for his Eagle Scout project."

As a younger Scout, Bean did many hours of community service at the Senior Center by delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound senior citizens. He really enjoyed the experience and wanted to give back in a bigger way.

"The experience was very interesting and that it taught me a lot about project management and it was extremely fulfilling for me to be able to create something special for the senior citizens in, y community, " said Bean.

Bean is a sophomore at William Fremd High School. During his time as a Scout, he has earned more than 35 merit badges (21 are required to achieve the Eagle rank). Bean has held many positions of leadership in the troop, such as Patrol Leader, Instructor, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and Senior Patrol Leader for weeklong campouts and Order of the Arrow Troop Representative. He has achieved Brotherhood, the second level in the Order of the Arrow. The Order of the Arrow is the honor society for Boy Scouts.

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