Becker eighth-grader Gregory Headley is in the final phases of completing a bike fix-it station and bench in Elk River to gain his Eagle Scout award. Greg chose Hillside Park in Elk River because it is nearby to his home and it’s a trail he has ridden dozens of times as a biking enthusiast.

“ I came up with the idea (fix-it station) because I love mountain biking,” Greg said.  “I wanted my Eagle project to be related to biking.”

Greg looked into the park’s master plan and saw that the city had a bike fix-it station in their future plans.

“When I saw that, I thought I could make this happen and do it as my Eagle Project.  It would be fun and meaningful project that I could realistically do.”

Last month, Greg and his mentor — Dave Anderson— along with a bunch of volunteers and friends, gathered at the site designated for the station and began clearing debris. Greg’s fix-it station was designed to utilize two concrete slabs and is purposed to allow people to fix their bikes, add some air to the tires and/or take a break on the bench.

“ I chose Hillside City Park because it is in Sherburne County and I live in Sherburne County,” said Greg.  “Hillside City Park is a great park and this amenity will add to the enjoyment for all.”

Greg said he started coming up with the idea of a bike fix-it station as soon as he finished his life scout rank in February of 2018. He expects to complete the work portion of his project this week, then, he will finish the paper portion and report to the City of Elk River and Boy Scout Council soon after.  

For a scout to gain the coveted Eagle Scout award, he needs to be involved in a project where they are giving leadership to others while also providing a beneficial service project, benefitting a community.

Greg’s first step in the process was to create a proposal which he presented to the scout council and the City of Elk River. He also created a PowerPoint presentation to layout and identify the project and its design.

Following approval from both councils, Greg created a detailed plan which involved the site selection, product selection, site placement, materials, goods, volunteer labor, work dates and obstacles and safety plans. He also solicited donors to help pay for the project.

“The total project cost was $3,361.34,” said Greg.  “I was able to raise this amount through cash donations, supply donations and discounts.”  

Greg said of all the work he put into his special project, the hardest part was the paperwork and asking for donations. Many of the donors were friends and family, discounts through Bike Fixation and Knife River as well as donations from Ramsey Bike Store.

Greg has been involved in scouting since the first grade. His Becker Troop is #92. Greg says the best part of being a Boy Scout is all the great stuff one can learn.  Camping trips are a lot of fun too, he says.

“Before I earn my Eagle Scout Award I will need to complete the final report for my project, finish my citizenship in the community merit badge and submit my Eagle Application.  

Greg was at Hillside Park Thursday morning, putting the final touches on the site.

“I would like to thank the following people and business for their support of my Eagle project:  My mom and step father (Shannon and John Polenik), Margie Boser, Linda Pearson, Greta and Dain Randall and Ramsey Bicycle for cash donations.  

Bob Cox, Dave Anderson, Steve’s Landscaping in Elk River, City of Elk River, Country Lumber in Becker, Majestic Creations in Becker,  Bike Fixation (Saris), Marties Farm Service in Elk River, Shannon and John Polenik for supply donations and/or supply discounts.” 

Greg’s volunteers who helped with his project were Anderson, Shannon Polenik, John Polenik, Chris Kardell, Hunter Whaley, Wesley McKay, Megan Polenik, Andrew Fredrick, Sam Nalty, Graydon Betts, Tim Sevcik and Michael Hecker.

“Thank you to everyone who volunteered, helped and supported me with this project,” Greg says.  “I couldn’t have done it without all the support.”