DORBA

Completion Date: Friday, June 12, 2026

Project Title: Erwin Park Trail Bridge Replacement and Upgrade

This Eagle Scout Service Project, led by Christian Matteo Coté of BSA Troop 51 (Frisco) , focused on critical infrastructure modernization and safety enhancement within the Erwin Park singletrack network. The project successfully decommissioned and replaced a severely deteriorated, rotting wooden bridge that had become structurally compromised and hazardous due to environmental exposure.

To engineer out recurring trail maintenance pain points, the new bridge deck was structurally elevated above the original grade to allow stormwater, silt, and natural runoff debris to pass underneath unimpeded rather than collecting on top. Additionally, the riding surface was significantly widened to offer a more generous, stable crossing footprint for both cyclists and pedestrians. To optimize trail flow, Christian designed and integrated a customized dirt berm directly into the exit geometry of the bridge, enabling mountain bikers to carry speed through the corner safely and smoothly without heavy braking or losing momentum.

The project moved from initial field staging to final deployment over a multi-week window starting May 25, 2026, and concluding on June 12, 2026. Christian demonstrated exceptional project management and leadership by coordinating a volunteer workforce composed of BSA youth, adult leaders, family members, and local community neighbors.

The construction team executed the clean demolition of the legacy bridge, prepped the surrounding foundation footprint, managed heavy timber joinery, and shaped the custom cornering berm. To ensure long-term durability against the elements, the structure was completed with a comprehensive protective outdoor stain application. Upon project completion, Christian managed a slight overage of raw materials by cleanly transferring the remaining construction-grade lumber back into the permanent inventory of the park's trail maintenance crew for use in future volunteer trail-building projects.

The newly engineered elevated bridge, expanded deck clearance, and supporting dirt berm deliver an immediate, lasting upgrade to the trail network's safety, physical drainage, and erosion control. This high-impact asset protects the park’s vulnerable runoff corridors from bike-induced trail degradation while directly lowering municipal trail-clearing overhead. The final recorded resource valuation and economic metrics are detailed below:

Total Volunteer Force: 9 Individuals

Total Labor Investment: 40 Service Hours (Includes project design, off-site material prep, and site installation)

Direct Financial Contributions / Materials: $0.00 (Project materials and lumber were fully self-funded and supplied directly by the candidate)

Volunteer Labor Value ($33.00/hr): $1,320.00

Total Project Valuation: $1,320.00

The Erwin Park Trail Bridge Replacement and Upgrade stands as a premium addition to the local park infrastructure. By combining heavy timber fabrication with progressive singletrack trail engineering, Christian has provided a highly functional, long-lasting asset that improves safety, reduces track downtime after heavy North Texas rain events, and elevates the riding experience for the entire McKinney community.