For years, the wooden retaining wall at the Benedum Civic Center was more than just a bit of an issue for those backing out of parking space at the heavily used facility. It was also becoming a bit of an eyesore at the historic structure.

 

“There had been concerns with its look and it was one of the items that were being targeted to change out,” said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton. “It was deteriorating and the railroad ties that it was made up were out of line for a number of reasons; including being hit by cars.”

 

For those that haven’t been to the Civic Center in the past few weeks, they will be pleasantly surprised at their next visit. The old wooden retaining wall made of railroad ties is a thing of the past. And the even better news for city residents is that not a single taxpayer dollar was used to replace it.

Thanks to Bridgeport High School senior Alex Ritter, a new wall is in place. The 17-year-old not only helped in leading the effort to remove the wall and eventually replace it with a new one, but he also led the effort to raise every single dime needed to make it happen. And it all started thanks to Alex Ritter’s involvement with Boy Scout Troop 40 based out of Bridgeport in the Simpson Creek Baptist Church.

 

“We approached the city and they gave Alex four or five options for projects that he could do that would go toward him earning Eagle Scout status,” said his father Antonio Ritter, who is also an assistant Scout Master. “ … This was the one that he wanted to do.”

 

Burton said he can’t remember exactly when the call came in with the offer, but he was glad it did. He said the projects do more than just fix an issue that will ultimately need addressed.

 

“The finished product looks really nice and without his help, we would have eventually gotten to it. With his help, however, you get it done now and it’s one of our smaller projects that we might have to delay once we decide to do it because of other things that come up,” said Burton. “They handled it from start to finish, including paying for 100 percent of the project.”

 

Although there was no dollar amount placed on the work, it likely wasn’t handled with money raised by collecting aluminum cans. Burton said the project had multiple facets to it.

 

“They basically replaced the entire wooden wall. They tore it out, put in a gravel footer and replaced the wall with 6x6 pressure-treated lumber with a drainage pipe behind it,” said Burton. “They finished it off with a nice touch of river rock on top.”

 

Antonio Ritter said not only did family and members of Troop 40 assist in the project, he said that Alex’s friends from Bridgeport High School also took part. He said the project proved to be fun, but one part was more challenging than the rest.

 

“Probably the most difficult part was seeking out contributors,” said Antonio. “At the same time, that may be as beneficial as anything to Alex because it created a situation where he had to communicate with individuals as to what he was doing and what was needed. That should prove very valuable.”

 

Alex Ritter will have his board of review to see if he’s earned Eagle Scout status Monday. Currently, he’s listed as a Life Scout. According to Antonio, earning the Eagle Scout status is an honor as roughly 5 percent of those that enter scouting make it to this point.

 

“I’m really proud Alex and I’m proud of all the young men who do this,” said Antonio Ritter. “It was probably 25 years ago that I got my own Eagle Scout so I’m always available to help anyone, whether it’s my own son or someone else. Alex and all these young men have plenty to be proud of.”

 

Burton said the Parks and Recreation Department is always open to groups such as the Scouts that are looking for community service projects.

 

“They’re help is invaluable,” said Burton, who estimated the project saved the city a few thousand dollars in material and labor. “They’re always welcome to help.”