Community Corner
Eagle Scout Project Unveiled At Gibbs Pond Park
Two benches, one of which is ADA accessible, were crafted for use at the newly-renovated playground.
NESCONSET, NY — Two benches, including one accessible to those under the Americans with Disabilities Act, were unveiled early November at a Nesconset park. The benches were crafted as part of Nicolas "Niko" Maldonado-Molina's Eagle Scout project for Troop 566.
Maldonado-Molina, his family and friends were joined by the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce, as well as local and state officials, at the newly-renovated playground at Gibbs Pond Park, also known as Andreoli Park. The benches were designed to foster inclusiveness and inspire similar projects.
"Niko not only sought to build new benches for the playground area, he had the thoughtfulness of
mind to create ADA accessible benches ... " Supervisor Edward Wehrheim stated via news release. "This is a great new addition to Gibbs Pond Park, and we are thrilled to be here today to unveil them as Nicholas Maldonado-Molina’s Eagle Scout Project for Troop 566."
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The ADA compliant, handicap-accessible bench has a 34-inch gap in the center, allowing for a
wheelchair user to easily maneuver it into the gap and sit next to others, instead of having to place
it beside the bench.
Only four percent of scouts in the program achieve the Eagle rank before they turn 18, which is the deadline, Maldonado-Molina noted.
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"Reaching Eagle rank requires dedication, perseverance, and a very, very good work ethic ...," Maldonado-Molina said. "With the help of many people, I was able to complete this project. With over 50+ hours of collecting and recycling 10,000 bottles, we raised $500, so that we could build these cedar benches that belong to this park now ... I thought it would be unique to do this as a way to give back to my community, and include a portion of people who might be overlooked."
The benches at Gibbs Pond Park are one of several recent improvements made to the park. Other
renovations include new landscaping, state-of-the-art LED sports lighting, turf resurfacing,
reconditioning of the tennis and basketball courts, and new playground areas.
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