Are Fire Pits Passable? Are Eagle Projects Passable? Are Eagle Projects that are Fire Pits Passable?
RyanSiegel-PGO
Posts: 10 ✭✭
Normally I wouldn't ask how to make a submission better, but being that it seems close to impossible to get things through the system right now I think I need the help PLUS I am curious on the thoughts of everyone else.
The submission is basically a fire pit area at a church that was built as an eagle scout project (stone pit, benches to sit on, and two other near by eagle projects built to make access to said fire pit area by sidewalk and walking bridge). So as far as I can tell there actually is no ruling on fire pits but being that it has some history behind and being that the church helped make this happen and it's specific purpose was to have a gathering area, I would think it is passable.
However, it currently failed review for the following reasons (in my opinion, lazy reviewing):
Here is the photo of the fire pit:
Here is some Google Maps stuff for verification:
The bridge and sidewalk were specifically built for the church members to have easier access to the fire pit area.
The below is my supporting details picture that shows the bridge (to the left of the shed) in view from the fire pit area. Along with these details of the fire pit: "This is a separate eagle project of 3 (done by 3 separate boy scouts). The information on this pit is at the bottom of the firepit however is covered up with coal currently. The church uses this area for community gatherings and events."
I would think this would be passable but I'm unsure at this point and I am curious on what others think.
**Just for reference, I know this is an eagle project as I helped build this (and the bridge is actually my eagle project). I believe I can dig up some info on this if I need to include it in the submissions supporting details.
Answers
If it has no historical/cultural aspect nor visually unique, I would only gives 3* at most since I'm unsure which criteria it could meet.
Just as curious, waiting others opinion on these.
First, I'd suggest double checking the nearby Street view, since that may pull up before satellite and obscure the location verifiability. Maybe include a photosphere? Otherwise, I almost always preface with "Visible on satellite, this fire pit is safely located in a safe and maintained open field area adjacent to the church, as shown in the supporting photo."
Personally, I'd consider such a fire pit eligible. It is a unique place with a cool story and can be used by many as a social gathering location to promote fellowship (spiritual or social).
Is there a plaque or similar signage for it? A photo including that (but still with the pit framed) might help.
Being an Eagle project doesn't make something eligible. It needs to be able to pass criteria for what it is. Thus a mural painted by Eagle Scouts would be eligible because it is a mural, not because it was painted by Eagle Scouts. A series of picnic tables, however, are not eligible even if they were built by Eagle Scouts.
The fire pit I would accept if you played up the community aspect of it (I.e. gathering place) but only 4 star at most. As for the bridge, if there was a sign there for it submit that, the bridge itself would be a hard sell
Perhaps also if there was a plaque specifying what it is, who made it, the troop, and or the project.
The bridge is already a POI. But as a quick note, foot bridges are passable and it has a plaque that was dedicated to two members of the church.
Sadly, all of that info is underneath the coals at the base of the firepit. Even worse, we wrote it with a stick in the cement we poured. I may be able to find some information somewhere on the build to link to the project though.
Hmm. Well if you contributed to making it, in the description, give more information about the scout, the project, why they did it and the significance it provides. Then some more supporting information in the supporting information section. I think it helps a lot in the description of the nomination has well outlined description of why someone would want to visit it other than it's a stop/portal/inn