NEWS

 

Ryan Densmore joined Cub Scouts more than a decade ago.

Last summer before heading off to college, he put the finishing touches on his Eagle Scout project. Having grown up in Davidson, one of his favorite places to play was Rock Park in the St. Albans neighborhood. Now that park has something more than rocks to interest the kids.

Ryan’s idea was to build a stage – a stage that could host myriad children’s performances. One of several Town Parks in the neighborhood, Ryan coordinated with Town staff and with the leaders of the homeowner’s association. He designed and coordinated building the stage – organizing volunteers who stepped up to help.

Just before Christmas, the St. Albans community came together to recognize Ryan for his project. Homeowner’s association members Lesley Swartz, Marvin Bethune, and Bob Boettger took time to recognize Ryan’s work and what it means to the community. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Swartz revealed a plaque that will be placed at the stage to honor Ryan.

The plaque reads:

“Rock Park Stage at St. Albans

Designed and built by Ryan Densmore, his fellow Troop 58 Boy Scouts, and volunteers as Ryan’s Eagle Scout Project for Davidson’s creative entertainment and enjoyment.

Dedicated on December 11, 2021 by St. Albans Neighborhood in honor of Ryan’s achievement.”

[note – the presentation ceremony was delayed a week due to rain on Dec. 11]

News of Davidson was there to capture that event in pictures – you can view them in this photo gallery.

We reached out to Ryan’s family to get their reaction to the honor.

“We’re very proud of Ryan, his project, and his achievement of reaching Eagle Scout. He is very thankful to have been able to lead a project that benefits a Davidson Town Park, and that he is able to positively impact so many kids in his own neighborhood. It took a lot of planning and trips to Lowe’s to get it done right. I also know Ryan is so very grateful to all the volunteers who came to help…from Troop 58, friends, and neighbors…as well as all the neighbors in St. Alban’s who so kindly contributed to fund the project. “

Ryan’s Dad, J.D. Densmore, also took the time to tell News of Davidson readers about the upcoming Eagle Scout ceremony. The event will take place on Sunday, January 2 at 2:00 PM at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House.

This ceremony will be for 4 boys from BSA Troop 58: Ryan, Noah Chartier, Alex Dellinger, and Joshua Chambers. All four of these young men started Scouts together as Cub Scouts in Den 4, Cub Pack 58, here in Davidson, when they were 6 years old. They are close friends and have had many adventures in and out of Scouting together. Since they are all now attending college, and the ceremony was scheduled so that they could all receive their Eagles together while they are on winter break.