Eagle Scout project - Creating a park

SIGN OF THE TIMES: Boy Scout Michael Quebbeman installed this sign at the Lower Perry Swimming Hole while making a park at the site. Observer photos/DICK MASON

Then there are people like La Grande Boy Scout Michael Quebbeman.

He created a park.

Quebbeman did a wide array of work to transform the area, about 400 yards south of Lower Perry, into a park setting. The Boy Scout:

• installed two signs that identify the park as the Lower Perry Swimming Hole.

• built and installed a picnic table and a metal bench.

• put up a cable fence.

• installed a cable gate.

Quebbeman’s additions have made the site along the Grande Ronde River more popular than ever judging by the many people who visit on warm days.

“He did a great job,’’ said Union County Commissioner Steve McClure.

The site has been a community swimming hole for decades but was not designated as a park until recently. The designation was made after the county had considered selling the one to two acres of land the park sits on. The county decided not to sell the land, though, after many people in the Perry community asked that the sale be reconsidered, McClure said.

Community members did not want to lose access to the swimming hole, the county commissioner said.

The county decided to designate the swimming hole site as a day-use park that visitors are not charged to use. This move significantly reduces the liability the county faces in case anything unfortunate happens at the site.

McClure pointed out that the liability is only reduced significantly if there is no charge for use of the park.

Union County was the sponsor of Quebbeman’s Eagle project. Quebbeman will be a sophomore at La Grande High School this fall. He is a member of Troop 586 and the son of Bryon and Chris Quebbeman.

— Dick Mason