
This year John David Higgins IV or “Jack”, the son of Kirkwood by the River’s Board Chairman John Higgins, began the long process of completing his Eagle Project. A Boy Scout’s Eagle Project is the pinnacle act of service that allows him, after years of scouting, to finally achieve the admirable rank of Eagle Scout. Only about 4% of scouts earn this ranking, and those who do have gone through a lengthy review process.
A Boy Scout is able to choose any religious institution, school, or charitable organization from his community to be the beneficiary of the project. The Higgins family has had many members serve in the armed forces for a time so Jack has grown up with a special respect and reverence for US Veterans. As Jack was deciding, he resolved that he wanted to choose a project that could honor veterans and specifically his Grandfather, who was a US Veteran and lived at Kirkwood, where a lot of other veterans reside today.
After much consideration and conversation, Jack chose to build a concrete, outdoor fire pit for the terrace outside of Kirkwood’s Main Dining Room for his Eagle Scout Project. This seating area overlooks the Cahaba River with beautiful views of the river, trees and nature surrounding.
Jack created a binder on his proposed project and presented it to the Eagle Board in the district. The board relayed their questions and suggestions until the project was approved. Jack then raised the funds to purchase all of the supplies, enlisted helpers to complete the project, and coordinated with Kirkwood CEO, Chad Carter, in order to ensure that the project would be successful.
The labor over the past few months included Jack and his helpers building the mold for the base and top of the structure, pouring and separating the concrete from the mold, and sanding/sealing the final structures. This completed the construction of the fire pit itself. The last task was to deliver and install the fire pit to its new home at Kirkwood by the River!
On July 23rd, 2019, Jack Higgins and his team of scouts came to Kirkwood to deliver this special piece that will add so much joy and life to our terrace space. The entire process took approximately 150 man hours from Jack, the Higgins family, and numerous other scouts and troop leaders. We are so appreciative of Jack and the Higgins family for their support and contribution. Without generous families like the Higgins, who constantly give us their love and time, Kirkwood would not be the organization we are today.