When thinking about what to choose for his Eagle Scout project, candidate Aaron Williams had much to consider. He knew he somehow wanted to give back to the Wildwood Community in which he lives, but wasn’t sure how. He finally decided on the Henry Schueler project because he and his friends have played on the field for years and knew that the restoration would make a noticeable improvement for years to come. He also learned of the strength, courage and determination that Henry displayed while battling his hypodiploid leukemia diagnosis. This project would both pay tribute to Hank and give back to the Wildwood Community by helping to restore the bleachers in the dugouts of Henry Schueler Field.
With the help of Bob Arlow and Michael Lanigan from the Chicago Park District, the boyscouts removed the old dugout bleachers, dug trenches for new moorings, installed new wooden planking and then erected new bleachers over the course of several weekends. Boy Scout Leaders, including Kevin Casey, Steven DeLaCruz, Bill Kolodziej, Dan Pucirello, Gail Schneider and John Williams, supervised the project.
Aaron was in charge of organizing the daily work load ensuring other boy scouts were both busy and organized. The boy scouts who assisted in this project are Michael and Declan Fitzpatrick, Patrick Khun, Chris Perry, Joshua Russell, and Charlie and Ben Williams. Neighborhood Volunteers included Conor Farrell, Michaels Stevens and Hank Wagner. This project could not have been successfully completed without all of you.
In addition to the restoration of the dugouts, a re-dedication ceremony is planned. Other improvements will include a new scoreboard and a mesh tarp on the backstop. The spring ceremony will be planned prior to the official opening of the 2017 baseball season.