Several years ago, an Eagle Scout project involving a structure and a city walking trail on James Street left that section of Bridgeport looking not only very nice, but providing a recreational amenity that could be utilized for years. And according to Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton, that’s what’s happened.

 

“That trail’s bridge was a scout project and the entire section of trail gets regular use,” said Burton. “It’s been very positive for the community.”

 

After several years, though, the area in and around that section of the trail where the bridge was located was looking less than up to city standards. Burton said the creek running adjacent to the trail had overflowed and washed away much of the mulch that was there away.

 

“It had deteriorated some and with the help of public works, which put some millage (asphalt material) down on each end of the main trail, it help a bit in cleaning things up and with the flooding,” said Burton.

 

Of course, there was still the matter of replacing the mulch. That matter, said Burton, was graciously handled by leaders of Scout Troop 1020 out of Clarksburg. Several of the adult leaders of that group volunteered to put the mulch down after it was purchased by the city.

 

“It’s part of our community service and the troop did it as a service project,” said Tom Brown, a Scout leader that doubles as Bridgeport’s city engineer. “We were glad to get it looking good again.”

 

Burton agreed with Brown’s assessment. He said regular users of the trail and the bridge should have noticed a significant difference.

 

“Prior to what they did it was looking bad through there,” said Burton. “It looks very nice now. In fact, it looks like new. We’re very appreciative of this group for taking their time out to do the work.”

 

Burton said mulch was laid down for an area covering roughly 50 yards around the trail. He is hopeful that it stays in place for several years.

 

Editor's Note: Workers spend a recent weekend redoing the mulch around the James Street trail.