By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Anyone who visits the Atkins-Porter Neighborhood Dog Park will notice something new at the entrance.
Riley McDevitt of Paris has been busy building a recycling bin for use by the public. The bin has sections to dispose of plastic, trash and cans and is set up next to the Little Library and the Little Pantry at the entrance to the dog park.
Paris Parks and Recreation Director Tony Lawrence suggested the project to Riley and said he was very happy with how the project turned out.
In conjunction with the city of Paris, the Parks Department will be in charge of maintaining and emptying the bins. The project was made possible by contributions from Paris Building Supply, as well as Lowes Home Improvement. It was partially constructed with some recycled materials. Riley’s Dad, Scott McDevitt, said, “We thought that was fitting considering the nature of the project.”
Riley received help from other Scouts, including Lee Hayes, Paul Tusa, Mason Thomas, and Taylor Thomas.
With completion of the project, Riley is close to becoming an Eagle Scout. He has all his paperwork completed and at this point, the paperwork just needs to be certified by the scout council.
Scott said, “We calculated that it took a total of 100 man hours to complete the project. That includes the design process to construction to painting to hardware installation. As well as final setting of the bins at the AP Dog Park.”
The public is encouraged to use the recycling bins. And, of course, the public is always encouraged to use The Little Library and The Little Pantry.
The Atkins-Porter Dog Park is located at the corner of Highland and Walnut Streets right next to the A-P Rec Center.
Photo: Riley McDevitt with the new recycling bins. Scott McDevitt photo.