The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Oquawka- Area businesses and community members came together to help Jarid Guyton's Eagle Scout project become a reality.
After 4 busy years of planning and fundraising, Oquawka has a new playground and Jarid, and family and friends who helped with this mega endeavor, can sit back and enjoy watching families gather here with their children for years to come.
Jarid Guyton began his scouting career as a Tiger Scout and is a member of Boy Scout Troop 61 in Oquawka.
"I wanted to build a commercial playground not only as my Eagle Scout project but so the kids in our community and surrounding communities including my 2 younger sisters could have a fun, safe place to play and bring families together!", said Jarid.
While he was warned by his family and also by the Eagle board that this was quite an undertaking, he was committed to make this a reality.
In May of 2013, he informally surveyed the families and community leaders to see how they felt in regard to the idea for this project and was overwhelmed by the support. Afterwards, he attended the Village Board Meeting and was given approval, along with their full support.
After researching several playground companies he met with a representative from Playcraft Playgrounds and discussed what he had in mind.
Jarid wanted to design it himself and include some history of the area including an elephant slide that represents "Norma Jean," an Elephant who was struck by lightning during a circus in 1972.
The bridge represents the Historical Henderson County Covered Bridge outside of Oquawka, and the yellow climbing steps which represents "Yellowbanks" the Indian name for Oquawka.
It quickly became a group effort. Brenda, Jeff and Braden Tee, his dad, step-mom, his grandparents and sibliings formed a group called the "Friends of Jarid Guyton." From there many volunteers joined in to make the fundraisers successful.
Jarid contacted Yvonne Knapp who is a community volunteer and Carrie McKillip Community Develpment Educator at the University of Illinois Extension for help with applying for the OSLAD grant on behalf of the Village of Oquawka.
Jarid was chosen to give a presentation in Springfield before the DNR board (Department of Natural Resources) along with 118 adults from all over Illinois....talk about intimidating. However, it paid off, as his project was one of the 75 selected for funding.
There were some challenges during the whole process including after being awarded the OSLAD grant from Gov. Quinn in December 2015, the grants were suspended in January 2016 by Gov. Rauner when he took office. In August 2016, Gov. Rauner reinstated the grants and he was finally able to move forward.
On the up side, with the help of Carrie and Yvonne, this is how the Parks & Tourism Committee got started which is also doing great things in the community.
Since a "Scout is Thrifty" he decided to save money and do a "Community Build". They had 2 playground contractors come from Missouri who volunteered their time to oversee the build. He was overwhelmed and very appreciative with the number volunteers who came to help. Businesses who brought their equipment to prepare the ground and move heavy playground pieces in place as well as people who provided food and snacks to feed the volunteers.
For safety reasons, security cameras have been installed and cover the entire area of the playground, pool, skate park and basketball court.
The playground was made possible by fundraisers, donations from private citizens and businesses in and around our community and the OSLAD grant.
Whether you provided moral support, baked or bought baked goods, came to wait on a cow "do his thing" on your number, was one of the numerous bands who performed, played horse shoes, played softball, worked the concession stand, donated food, tested your brain at Trivia or came to see Elvis himself, it was all very much appreciated.
Jarid said, "I hope you and your family will enjoy the playground."
Monumental Eagle Scout Project-A Dream Come True For Guyton
Oquawka- Area businesses and community members came together to help Jarid Guyton's Eagle Scout project become a reality.
After 4 busy years of planning and fundraising, Oquawka has a new playground and Jarid, and family and friends who helped with this mega endeavor, can sit back and enjoy watching families gather here with their children for years to come.
Jarid Guyton began his scouting career as a Tiger Scout and is a member of Boy Scout Troop 61 in Oquawka.
"I wanted to build a commercial playground not only as my Eagle Scout project but so the kids in our community and surrounding communities including my 2 younger sisters could have a fun, safe place to play and bring families together!", said Jarid.
While he was warned by his family and also by the Eagle board that this was quite an undertaking, he was committed to make this a reality.
In May of 2013, he informally surveyed the families and community leaders to see how they felt in regard to the idea for this project and was overwhelmed by the support. Afterwards, he attended the Village Board Meeting and was given approval, along with their full support.
After researching several playground companies he met with a representative from Playcraft Playgrounds and discussed what he had in mind.
Jarid wanted to design it himself and include some history of the area including an elephant slide that represents "Norma Jean," an Elephant who was struck by lightning during a circus in 1972.
The bridge represents the Historical Henderson County Covered Bridge outside of Oquawka, and the yellow climbing steps which represents "Yellowbanks" the Indian name for Oquawka.
It quickly became a group effort. Brenda, Jeff and Braden Tee, his dad, step-mom, his grandparents and sibliings formed a group called the "Friends of Jarid Guyton." From there many volunteers joined in to make the fundraisers successful.
Jarid contacted Yvonne Knapp who is a community volunteer and Carrie McKillip Community Develpment Educator at the University of Illinois Extension for help with applying for the OSLAD grant on behalf of the Village of Oquawka.
Jarid was chosen to give a presentation in Springfield before the DNR board (Department of Natural Resources) along with 118 adults from all over Illinois....talk about intimidating. However, it paid off, as his project was one of the 75 selected for funding.
There were some challenges during the whole process including after being awarded the OSLAD grant from Gov. Quinn in December 2015, the grants were suspended in January 2016 by Gov. Rauner when he took office. In August 2016, Gov. Rauner reinstated the grants and he was finally able to move forward.
On the up side, with the help of Carrie and Yvonne, this is how the Parks & Tourism Committee got started which is also doing great things in the community.
Since a "Scout is Thrifty" he decided to save money and do a "Community Build". They had 2 playground contractors come from Missouri who volunteered their time to oversee the build. He was overwhelmed and very appreciative with the number volunteers who came to help. Businesses who brought their equipment to prepare the ground and move heavy playground pieces in place as well as people who provided food and snacks to feed the volunteers.
For safety reasons, security cameras have been installed and cover the entire area of the playground, pool, skate park and basketball court.
The playground was made possible by fundraisers, donations from private citizens and businesses in and around our community and the OSLAD grant.
Whether you provided moral support, baked or bought baked goods, came to wait on a cow "do his thing" on your number, was one of the numerous bands who performed, played horse shoes, played softball, worked the concession stand, donated food, tested your brain at Trivia or came to see Elvis himself, it was all very much appreciated.
Jarid said, "I hope you and your family will enjoy the playground."
Jarid Guyton's Oquawka Playground Is Certified and Ready for Play
Jarid Guyton, of Oquawka, sits on the stairs of his 4-year Eagle Scout project, feeling grateful for the support he has been given by his family and the community to make this dream a reality for area kids and future generations.