Between school and extracurriculars like soccer and choir, 16-year-old Logan Halverson already had plenty on his plate before embarking on the projects that’s taken up his weekends in recent months.
Halverson, an active member of Boy Scout Troop 253, has lately spent much of his free time restoring the landscaping at Owatonna KC Hall. The project is his final step toward becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest ranking achievable for a scout.
He chose the project as a way of thanking the Knights of Columbus, which has a well-established partnership with Troop 253, supporting them financially and hosting their meetings at KC Hall.
Before he started working, the property’s hillside facing Elm Avenue was badly eroded. Troop 253 had repeatedly filled in mulch in front of the building in recent years, only for it to wash away in the rain. Financial Secretary Dan Wolfe said the KCs have been seeking a more permanent improvement to their landscaping for some time.
After speaking with Halverson, they were convinced he was up to the task.
“It was pretty clear when we started talking about the project that he had a good idea and he had put a lot of thought into it,” said Wolfe.
The retaining wall contains 465 blocks, each weighing about 85 pounds, and over 80 capstones. The project required 28 yards of dirt, nine yards of rock, 10 tons of washed river rock and a tile line for drainage. To hold that all in place, the wall extends two layers of blocks underground.
According to Halverson, laying the first layer of blocks was a major hurdle.
“That was probably one of the most tedious parts of the project, because that bottom row has to be perfect. If the bottom row’s not perfect, it’s only going to get worse and worse as you go up,” he said.
Halverson said he didn’t realize how much help he would need when he envisioned the project, but the community came forward to support him. In addition to his dad and his uncle Jeremy Parpart, he shared the work with younger scouts.
Working with the kids proved to be a good learning experience. Halverson recalls being in their shoes years ago, helping older scouts with their projects. Now, on the cusp of becoming an Eagle Scout, he’s seen what it takes to manage a project of that scale.
“It was definitely an interesting opportunity, and it was tons of fun. Watching the kids grow and learn was extraordinary,” he said.
For the heavier lifting, he had help from KCs including Wolfe, Brian Cook, Scott Wolff and Mike Saufferer.
Wolfe is pleased with the results.
“Everybody who walked by when we were out there working on it has commented on how nice it looks. We couldn’t be happier,” he said.
Obtaining the materials was a task in its own right. Between supplies, discounted materials, time and money, Halverson received support from James Excavating/D&M Construction, Turtle Creek Nursery and Landscaping, Cemstone, Steele/Rice Supplies, Lowe’s and Nagel’s Nursery and Landscaping.
His dad, Josh, also scoutmaster of Troop 253, was amazed at how willing businesses were to help.
“Every time he went to a company and asked for a charitable donation, help, an assist of some sort, he never came home without that support. That’s why we live in Owatonna. Literally, that’s why we’re here,” he said.
The project includes a tribute to Evan O’Connor, a local scout who died in 2022 following complications from heart surgery. He was only 12. Following the tragedy, his fellow scouts vowed to memorialize him in some way. While Halverson was working on the project, the troop lost someone else — its longtime treasurer, Gene Miller, who died of cancer this summer. Two trees stand above the retaining wall, memorializing O’Connor and Miller.
They plan to place a memorial plaque on the site and welcome both families to celebrate once the project is complete.
With the wall finished, Halverson looks to put in a small patio near the street corner, with a flagpole and a bench. He expects to have it complete this fall, likely by the end of the month.
While the project is a major milestone for Halverson, he’s come to realize that becoming an Eagle Scout isn’t the end of the road.
“I’ve been a scout for quite a while, and this is what you’ve been working up to, this is what your final destination is going to be. As you get older, you realize it’s not just the final destination, but a doorway to continue on in your scouting career,” he said.
His dad, also an Eagle Scout, comes from a whole family of scouts, and felt it was important to give his kids the same experience. He’s thrilled to see his son giving back to the community and learning the leadership skills he’s tried to teach over the years.
He also expressed his gratitude for the Knights of Columbus for putting their trust in his son and giving him this opportunity.
“This project is pretty intense, pretty big from a scope standpoint. I was super nervous, as a dad and a scoutmaster, that the project might not be looked at as doable. But with youth involvement, community involvement and collaboration, and some determination and hard work, things are possible still. I think we lose sight of that,” he said.
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