Eagle Scout Service Project: Jalen's Shore Parkway Greenway Restoration

When and Where

When: May 16, 2026
Timeline: 8:30 am — 6:00 pm

Location: Start of the pier (69th Street & Shore Road) — meet here, work zone runs along the greenway from this point

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Life Scout Jalen leads his Eagle Scout Service Project — the capstone service requirement on the trail to Eagle, the highest rank in Scouts BSA. The Eagle Project is planned, organized, and led by the candidate himself; volunteers from the troop, family, and community provide the muscle to bring it to life.

Jalen is restoring a roughly 0.3-mile section of the Shore Parkway Greenway in Bay Ridge — the waterfront walking and biking path that runs along Belt Parkway between the Narrows and Owl's Head Park. The work zone starts at the American Veterans Memorial Pier (foot of 69th Street and Shore Road) and runs about 0.3 mile (15,840 sq ft) along the greenway: clearing overgrown weeds, then sanding and repainting 13 benches and 3 trash cans along the way. The project is in partnership with NYC Parks and gives back a piece of public space to the neighbors, joggers, cyclists, and families who use the greenway every day.

Every scout, sibling, parent, and friend who can swing a weedwacker, sand a bench, or hand out water is welcome — and needed. Service hours will be recorded for all participants.

About the Pier and the Greenway

The American Veterans Memorial Pier sits at the foot of 69th Street in Bay Ridge — a stone-and-railing pier extending into the Narrows. It is dedicated to American veterans, and on a clear day frames a wide view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge across the water. Troop 23 traditionally takes part in the 9/11 vigil held at the pier each September — one of our standing community ties to this corner of the neighborhood.

Running past the pier in both directions is the Shore Parkway Greenway: a multi-use waterfront path that hugs the Brooklyn shore along the Belt Parkway, used daily by cyclists, runners, walkers, and families. The 0.3-mile section we're restoring runs along the greenway directly from the pier entrance — easy to find, visible from the staging area. Maintaining a piece of this corridor is a way to give back to a place the troop already shows up for.

Details

Time: 8:30 am official start (volunteers welcome from 8:00 am to help unload materials and set up). Wraps up by 5:00 pm — possibly 6:00 pm at the latest, depending on attendance and how fast the work goes.

Location: Shore Parkway Greenway, Bay Ridge — work zone starts at the American Veterans Memorial Pier (foot of 69th Street & Shore Road, Brooklyn, NY 11209) and runs about 0.3 mile along the greenway.

Meet at: The pier entrance at 69th Street and Shore Road. Look for Jalen and the materials staging area.

Beneficiary: NYC Parks — the Shore Parkway Greenway and the people who use it

Project Lead: Jalen, Troop 23 Brooklyn

What We'll Do

The work splits into three jobs running in parallel through the day:

• Weed clearing — about 15,840 sq ft (roughly 0.3 mile) of overgrown grass and weeds along the greenway. We'll use weedwackers where possible and pull by hand where needed.
• Sanding — 13 benches and 3 trash cans need to be sanded and taped before paint goes on. Adults only for this stage; goggles, masks, and gloves are required.
• Painting — once a piece is sanded and prepped, scouts and volunteers move in to repaint. Gloves required, cardboard goes down to protect the ground, and "Wet Paint" signs go up afterward.

Jalen will brief everyone on the work plan, safety procedures, and team assignments at the start of the day. Tasks rotate as people finish, and even an hour or two of help moves things forward — feel free to come for part of the day.

What to Bring

• Uniform: Class B (Troop 23 t-shirt and clothes you don't mind getting dirty or paint-flecked)
• Closed-toe sturdy shoes or work boots — no sandals or sneakers you care about
• Water bottle (refill stations are limited along the greenway — bring enough for half a day)
• Work gloves (Jalen will have extras, but bring your own if you have them)
• Sunscreen and a hat — this section of the greenway is fully exposed, and there's no shade
• Personal weedwacker or hand pruners if you own them and want to bring them

Breakfast: Coffee and donuts available from 8:00 am for early arrivals.

Lunch: Provided around 12:00–1:00 pm by Jalen — he's keeping the menu a surprise. If you have any food allergies, email Jalen ahead of time so he can plan accordingly.

Note: Jalen is responsible for sourcing all project-specific tools, paint, sandpaper, tape, and PPE. The personal items above are what each volunteer should bring for themselves.

Safety

The pier is an active public space, so a few ground rules keep everyone safe and the project running smoothly:

• Greenway awareness: the Shore Parkway Greenway is an active bike and pedestrian route. Cyclists, runners, and people on small vehicles will be passing the work zone the whole day — be mindful when crossing the path or stepping back from a bench.
• Sanding crew (adults only): goggles, dust masks, and gloves are mandatory. Sanding kicks up paint dust and debris; eye and respiratory protection is non-negotiable.
• Painting crew: gloves required. Lay cardboard under each bench or trash can before painting to protect the ground. After painting, post "Wet Paint" signs so passers-by don't lean on a fresh coat.
• Weed-clearing crew: closed-toe shoes are mandatory; long pants help with weedwacker debris. Keep clear of anyone running a weedwacker — flying debris is the most common minor injury on this kind of project.

Jalen and the adult leaders on site will run a safety briefing at 8:30 am sharp before any work begins.

How to Help

The most useful thing you can do is show up and RSVP early. Jalen needs a reliable headcount to plan supplies, breakfast, and lunch. Even an hour or two on site makes a difference — people rotating through is fine.

RSVP personally by Tuesday, May 12, 2026. If you have any food allergies, mention them in your RSVP or email Jalen directly.

Service Hours

All volunteers will earn community service hours for time spent on the project. Sign in with Jalen or his project coach when you arrive so your hours are recorded.

For scouts working toward Star, Life, or Eagle rank, this is a strong opportunity to bank required service hours while supporting a fellow troop member.

About the Eagle Scout Service Project

The Eagle Scout Service Project is the final major requirement before a scout can earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The candidate must plan, develop, and lead a service project that benefits a religious institution, school, or community — anywhere outside of Scouting itself.

The project is the candidate's responsibility from start to finish: identifying a need, finding a beneficiary, drafting and getting approval for a project plan, recruiting volunteers, leading the workday, and documenting the result. The point isn't the work itself — it's demonstrating leadership and follow-through on a project of meaningful scope.

Eagle is a rank fewer than 6% of scouts ever achieve. Showing up to support a candidate's project is one of the best ways the troop family can honor that effort.

Advancement Goals

Volunteering on this project supports the following advancement work: