Breckenridge Texan

Breckenridge High School senior Kason Burchett is giving the city’s Birdhouse Park a fresh look as part of his Eagle Scout project, focusing on restoring pathways, repairing birdhouses and improving the park’s appearance for the community.

“I figured it was something I feel like most of the community overlooks, and if we can make it look nicer, maybe it might entice more people (to) come,” Burchett said. “If I get it looking nice, there might be people along the road (who) see it’s nice, and… keep it looking nice.”

Kason Burchett removes brush from around the observation deck in Birdhouse Park. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Burchett, a member of local Scouts Troop 63, said he hopes the project will also encourage ongoing community involvement. “We’ve discussed maybe, as a troop, (coming) out here annually… and doing this or whatever,” he said.

Birdhouse Park, located at the corner of South Baylor Avenue and East Hullum Street on the banks of Gunsolus Creek, has been a small but scenic spot for people to enjoy nature and watch area birdlife. Most of the birdhouses in the park, which feature a wide array of designs, were built by local residents as part of birdhouse building contests sponsored in past years by the City of Breckenridge Parks Department. Burchett said he wanted to restore its charm and make it more inviting for visitors.

His Eagle Scout project involves clearing overgrown brush, restoring a brick pathway, and repairing several aging birdhouses that hold sentimental value to local residents.

“There’s a bunch of overgrown brush… I plan on getting all that and the brick path right here,” he said. “You couldn’t see much of it, so we’re planning on weed eating and scraping, hoeing up all the stuff overgrown on the path… and also, there are several birdhouses out here that are falling apart. I plan on fixing them because I don’t want to just tear them down and replace them, because a lot of birdhouses out here have meaning to people. I plan on fixing them and then bringing them back up here and hanging them back up.”

In addition to restoring existing birdhouses, Burchett plans to add several new ones. “I have some kits, and I plan on building some as well,” he said.

As part of his Eagle Scout project Kason Burchett will be refurbishing some of the birdhouses in Breckenridge’s Birdhouse Park. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texas)

Burchett has been involved in Scouting since first grade, when he joined the Cub Scouts. “I joined Cub Scouts in first grade and did my Arrow of Light to join Boy Scouts in the fifth grade,” he said. “So this is my sixth year in Boy Scouts.”

The Birdhouse Park project is the final step before Burchett earns his Eagle Scout rank.

“This is the last thing I lack before earning my Eagle Scout,” he said. “I just have to do this and then my Eagle Scout Board of Review.”

He said Scouting has given him valuable life lessons and a sense of purpose.

“I think one of the biggest things I get out of Scouts is learning leadership, and we do a lot of community service. And I feel like that helped me grow into the person I want to be,” Burchett said. “I just find happiness in community service because I’m helping others.”

Burchett was joined Saturday morning by fellow Scout Dirk Miller, who is preparing for his own Eagle project, as well as troop master Brian Kight and Burchett’s family members.

“I’m 17, and you have to earn your Eagle Scout before your 18th birthday, which for me, is January 7,” Burchett said.

Kason Burchett’s dad, Robert Burchett, center, and fellow Scout Dirk Miller, back left, work alongside Kason in Birdhouse Park. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Kason Burchett was assisted with his Eagle Scout project by his family and a fellow scout. Pictured, from left, are the Burchetts, Rachel, Monica, Robert and Kason, and Scout Dirk Miller. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Cutline, top photo: Kason Burchett, right, works on his Eagle Scout project with fellow Scout Dirk Miller in Birdhouse Park. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)