Robbie Amori's Eagle Scout Project Takes Shape at Rec Center

“Be Prepared” is the Boy Scout motto.

Robbie Amori, a member of Troop 429, is living up to that motto as he completes his Eagle Scout project. Entering his freshmen year at Saline High School, Amori is working toward his Eagle Scout project a few years earlier than most of his peers.

“Some people do it later in high school but I wanted to get it done so I can focus on sports and homework,” said Amori, who will swim with the Saline Hornet Swim & Dive team this winter.

Once again, it’s the City of Saline that is benefiting from an aspiring Eagle Scout. Amori is  installing a tiered garden behind the Saline Rec Center.

“The project is about beautifying the garden. It was a little mangy had weeds. I wanted to do something about that,” said Amori, son of Rick and Chris Amori.

Amori’s project is ambitious – perhaps more than he realized at first. Even with the help of family, local landscape experts, fellow scouts and friends, the project came  along a little slower than expected.

“It sometimes takes a lot longer to get things done you think,” Amori said. “You have to commit to it a lot more than you might think. You have to be very persistent to get it done.”

Amori and company weeded the sloped garden and trimmed the trees last week.  Friday they went to work removing mounds dirt and clay. They’re installing three walls made of brick pavers. Between the walls they’re replacing the dirt and then planting perennial flowers.

After other ideas for an Eagle Scout project fell through, the tiered garden project came from Amori’s mother.

Saline Parks and Recreation Director Carla Scruggs said the city appreciates Amori’s work.

“It’s a great project. It’s very ambitious and Robbie is working his tail off. It’s going to look beautiful out there when he’s done,” Scruggs said.

The project has received significant support from local businesses. Jim Meloche, president of Treasured Earth landscaping and construction, helped with design and materials. Fendt Builder’s Supply donated two of the six pallets of brick pavers. Turner’s Nursery donated flowers. Kentucky Fried Chicken, Mancino’s and Benito’s Pizza donated food for the workers.

More News from Saline

• SOFTBALL: Saline Roars Back to Earn Split With Dexter Saline split its doubleheader with Dexter Monday to maintain its grip on the SEC Red.
• BASEBALL: Saline Rebounds to Split Doubleheader with Dexter Saline lost its first SEC Red game of the season against Dexter Monday but rebounded for a split to keep the Hornets atop the conference.