Community Corner
Eagle Scout Candidate Simplifies Gardening for the Disabled
Boy Scout Alex Gattone is aiming for his Eagle Scout status, while helping the elderly and disabled gardeners of the community with raised garden beds and a rainwater collection system at the community garden.
Alex Gattone needed an Eagle Scout project, and the needed some help accommodating elderly and disabled residents who wished to garden in the community plots.
Gattone, a graduate and freshman, teamed up with Park District Commissioner and organizer Joe Conway to formulate a plan for his project. Conway suggested that Gattone draft a plan for two raised garden beds for individuals who cannot easily bend over, but would still love to garden in the plots on 151st and Long. The project also included a rain barrel structure designed to capture rain water runoff.
Gattone took it from there.
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He worked with local businesses for the supplies, managed a budget and supervised the 30 volunteers on-site Saturday, Oct. 22. The group broke ground around 8 a.m. and had nearly finished the garden beds by noon. The boys also spread mulch in various locations, and cleaned up the garden site.
Gattone is a member of Boy Scout Troop 385, based out of Tinley Park. Eagle Scout status is a prestigious ranking within the Boy Scouts of America organization.
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Check out our video of time spent on the garden grounds.
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