ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Boy Scouts from troops 3, 13 and 15 in Albany came together Saturday, Aug. 8 to clean up around Civil Rights Park in downtown Albany.

The project was led by Boy Scout Jack Hodges, who is working toward Eagle Scout status. One of the requirements before earning the rank is completing a community service project.

Hodges’ connection to Civil Rights Park began when he was 12 years old. While volunteering at a Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful recycling event, he heard about litter at the nearby park.

After the event, Hodges, his mother Melissa and his friend Wren went to the park and picked up trash. That day became the starting point for Hodges’ effort to restore Civil Rights Park.

“The park is dedicated to Civil Rights and that is important. Seeing it in that condition, I thought I needed to step up and help,” said Hodges.

From that point on, Jack began sharing his ideas with the city of Albany. They then made repairs, replaced lighting and scheduled routine maintenance work.

Three years later, at 15 years old, Jack is back at the park with his fellow Scouts to finish the work.

Being back at the same place where he once got inspired felt wholesome for him.

“It feels great seeing this. It’s like a full-circle moment. I’m here with the guys I came out here with three years ago. I’m with my troop, friends and neighbors. Seeing this happen, it means a lot,” said Hodges.

Hodges draws inspiration from different people. Although he doesn’t live in Albany, the people, including his fellow leaders, push him to work hard and make a widespread impact.

“It’s the people I surround myself with. The community here in Albany is amazing. A lot of the leaders here, they inspire me to do this. My mom inspired me to join Scouts. The people in it- my Scoutmaster has been a huge help and inspiration for this,” said Hodges.

Not only does this project mean a lot for him- it’s also meaningful to the other members.

Eagle Scout Brycen Newsome was born and raised in Albany. For him, it’s about pouring back into the city that helped shape him.

“For me, at least, this is about the community that is Albany. This is truly a beautiful and great city that we have here,” said Newsome. “This fountain right here is truly the testament of what we the people can do here in this great city.”

Newsome described the initiative as more than just cleaning up a public space. Keeping the area clean is about showing respect to the city and operating in excellence and greatness.

“If we want to be treated as the respectful people that we are, as the great people that we are of Albany, we have to keep our city clean, we have to keep our city respectful,” said Newsome. “We have to make ourselves better than we actually are. We need to strive for greatness, for excellency.”

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