T.J. Adair, 17, a senior at Chardon High School, proposed erecting a flag pole at Munson Township Park Aug. 26.
T.J. Adair, 17, a senior at Chardon High School, proposed erecting a flag pole at Munson Township Park Aug. 26.
The flag pole would be T.J.’s Eagle Scout project and benefit the residents and players at the fields on Bass Lake Road, he told Munson Township Trustees during their regular meeting.
“I’ve noticed we don’t play the National Anthem before ball games,” he said. “That’s something of a cardinal sin.”
T.J., a member of Chardon Scout Troop 93, said his project was approved by his troop leader and by the Boy Scouts of America Lake Erie Council.
If trustees approved it, he planned to have 10 volunteers at the park Aug. 30 to prepare the ground and have the concrete poured, putting up the pole Aug. 31.
The Flag Store in Newbury Township has been helping T.J. with the purchase of the pole and the 4-foot-by-6-foot U.S. flag, he said.
His father, Tim Adair, said the plan is for the footer to be 24 inches in diameter and 48 inches deep. A six-foot circle of gravel would surround the pole.
Trustee Jim McCaskey questioned if the foundation would support the pole and flag.
“There’s a hell of a wind down there. The wind will pull at the flag and the pole,” he said.
Adair said he’s confident the pole company would provide further instructions regarding the footer.
McCaskey asked him to provide verification of those instructions and Road Superintendent Kirk Walker said he would work with T.J. and Adair on the specifications.
“The wind does wreak havoc on poles,” he said, adding he is willing to make sure the flag is lowered to half-staff and raised again when needed.
Trustee Andy Bushman said the township park board approved the project and the pole would be equipped with a solar-powered light to illuminate the flag in the dark.
Trustees unanimously approved the project.
