Eagle Scout nearly finished with Rockford shelter house

ROCKFORD - Village councilors in Rockford on Tuesday heard that the highly anticipated shelter house being built at the park by an incoming Parkway senior is nearing completion.

For his Eagle Scout project, Brody Reigle, who is a member of Scouts BSA Troop No. 98, has been building a 30-foot-by-40-foot pavilion at Shanes Park near the pond. The wooden structure is sided, has gutters and has ADA-accessible bathrooms. It will provide shade, picnic tables and restrooms to those using the splash pad and the outdoor space nearby.

The village fronted the money for the restroom facility, but the fundraising to pay for the rest of the structure is part of Reigle's work to complete his project. Most of the funding is through private and community donations.

The project was first estimated to cost about $30,000 in 2024, but village administrator Aaron Temple said Tuesday he wouldn't be surprised if Reigle raised $50,000.

When Reigle first proposed his project, he said he wanted to help his community by meeting a need at the park.

In other business, Temple told councilors the village received $100,000 from the Ohio capital budget bill to go toward upgrades at Shanes Park.

Temple said the funds will go toward new pickleball and sand volleyball courts and will help widen several walking paths.

Councilors also:

• heard first reading of an ordinance to levy about $2,250 in assessments for unpaid property maintenance fees and delinquent utility bills. Four property owners will be assessed on their property taxes.

• heard a site review will soon be scheduled with HSI Solar, Access Engineering, the village and contractors.

The council meets next at 7:30 p.m. July 7 at the village hall.