HAYDEN — Eagle Scout candidate Ryan Drappo, 17, with help from Troop 911, preserved a small piece of Hayden’s agricultural history by building a wooden structure that protects a sign tracing the origin of Stoddard Farm. 

Drappo said it was gratifying to see the project through from start to finish. 

“The majority and bulk of the project was done in about a month," he said. "The city supplied the sign, and I got to read over it and learn the significance not just of what I was building it for, but the barn itself."  

The city of Hayden took over the property in 2005 and converted the grounds into a park, according to Idaho Heritage Trust.  

City staff and the Hayden Historic Preservation Commission have had plans to create a new structure to house the Stoddard Farm sign since 2022 to honor the area’s agricultural heritage at Stoddard Park. 

However, the project remained in the planning stages until early October, when Drappo became involved. 

“I had my previous Eagle Scout project fall through — so I was looking for a new project — and my mom works for the city of Hayden,” Drappo said. 

The project included a metal roof and structural support to protect and enhance the signage that traces the site's history. Donations provided funding for the project.

“It was really, really nice to get a little insight, Drappo said. "I went to a few meetings of the historic commission, and I got to know them a little bit and learn about the project." 

Drappo had initially created his own design for the sign. However, when he received the city plans for the sign holder, he quickly realized the original blueprints shaved time and resources off his initial estimates. 

“It was more resourceful,” he said. “With the blueprint design, I was able to use some of the scrap for the new piece and double it and mirror it on the other side.”   

Working with tools is Drappo's passion. The opportunity to use them to work toward his Eagle Scout goals provided the perfect vehicle. 

“It just helped me build my leadership skills, and I got to work with all the scouts in my troop as well as one of my friends from another troop," Drappo said. "It was great to work with a team."