The historic fire circle in Wilderness Park in Arcadia has been restored by Arcadia High School sophomore Dylan Shen as part of a community service project towards an Eagle Scout rank in Troop 125 of the Boy Scouts of America.
He recently completed his project titled “Restoring the Historic Fire Circle in Arcadia Wilderness Park” with the help of his fellow scouts, schoolmates, and adult leaders. The Fire Circle was first presented to the City in April 1964. After years of use and lack of repair, the fire ring had lost the majority of rock wall and became hazardous to park users.
Dylan received guidance from Phil Wray, Arcadia’s Deputy Development Services Director and City Engineer and Ms. Brie Houghton, Wilderness Park Manager. His written project proposal outlining schedule, fundraising, and work plan, was approved by the Scouts representative and the beneficiary who represented the City. In total, Dylan raised nearly $800 through redeeming donated recyclables, cash donations, as well as a $100 Lowe’s National Eagle Project Grant. The project was carried out on December 26-27, 2013 with the help of 24 volunteers and nearly 130 person-hours of services.
“It is my hope that the restored Fire Circle to bring many years of joy to new generations of campers and scouts when they visit Wilderness Park”, Dylan says.