MBHS student hopes to install swings at Cahaba River Walk

Cahaba River Walk has a paved path, benches, picnic tables and exercise stations, but Mountain Brook High School sophomore William Hereford saw the opportunity for more at the park.

“My friends and I have gone to that park several times, and it’s a really neat place, but it’s also underdeveloped,” Hereford said. “So I wanted to take the opportunity to improve the space.”

Hereford said he hopes to install swings at Cahaba River Walk as part of his Eagle Scout project, bringing in amenities that he believes will make the park more appealing to a wider range of visitors.

“I hope to install more or less of a swinging bench that’s targeted toward the adults, and a traditional what they call belt swing targeted toward the kids,” he said.

Overall, his project would include the swings, a concrete pad under the bench swing and wooden barriers and mulch under the belt swing — all of it will cost about $3,500. Hereford said he has set up a GoFundMe page for the project that has already raised about $1,600.

While there is no set deadline for the project, Hereford said he is trying to be mindful of the winter weather and the obstacles that might create. He will install the swings and their metal frames, in addition to the concrete pad and wooden barriers, along with members of his troop — Troop 28 IPC (Independent Presbyterian Church) — and other volunteers, so it would not be ideal to work around frozen ground.

Before setting up the fundraising page, Hereford had to present his idea to the city of Mountain Brook for approval. Overall, he said the process was not difficult, but still took a lot of work. Support from his scoutmaster and others helped along the way, Hereford said.

“Mr. [Robby] Cather has helped with the planning of the project and getting it approved by the council, and Mr. [Allen] Syndor [Hereford’s scoutmaster] was also there helping me get it approved,” he said.

Hereford said he hopes the project will have a positive influence on the park and that the community will enjoy the new swings. Since starting to raise funds, Hereford said he has received positive feedback from both the Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills communities.

“I think it’s going to be a nice contribution to the community, and certainly the kids will appreciate it,” Hereford said.

Earning the Eagle Scout rank, however, is about more than completing one project for Hereford. The Eagle shows a dedication to Boy Scouts and represents hard work over several years, he said.

“It means a lot to me [to earn the Eagle] because it’s really important not only how it looks on your resume, but to know you’ve demonstrated the skills that are required,” he said.

Working and learning as a Scout has been a rewarding experience, Hereford said, because he has learned technical and outdoor skills, taken several influential trips and gained life skills along the way. Even for individuals not pursuing the Eagle Scout rank, Hereford said he encourages individuals to participate in Scouts. 

“It’s a great experience, and you get a lot out of it besides the Eagle,” he said. “You get to meet new people, and you get to travel to all these places around the country.”

To learn more about Hereford’s project or to donate, search “Swings for Cahaba River Walk” on GoFundMe.com.