A

At the April 2021 Regular City Council meeting, Zach Hofius proposed a Sea Scout Quartermaster project for the Walking Bridge Park. “Sea Scouts, is a program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14 to 20. The Purpose of Sea Scouts is to promote better citizenship and improved members’ boating skills through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social, service experiences, and knowledge of our maritime heritage.”(https://seascout.org/) That proposal given by Zach, grandson of Eugene and Sherry Hofius, longtime residents of Mazeppa, was approved at the meeting, with the City providing funding for the materials needed. Some monetary donations for this project also came from the Mazeppa American Legion Post 588 and Mazeppa Lions Club including some volunteer help! A grant has also been applied for to help defer some of the costs of this project. The plan consisted of removing railroad tie stairs that had deteriorated over the years and reinstalling several decorative retaining walls with fresh vegetation along the walking trail following the river. Throughout the summer, Zach and volunteers including his dad and grandfather spent many hours on the removal, excavation, design, and installment to beautify this area of our parks system.

Be sure to take a walk and check it out if you haven’t already done so!

Before- Old railroad ties and overgrown vegetation.                                                                                   After – Removal of old railroad ties and new ornamental plants.