Local Anchorage teen James Barber has combined his passion for soccer with a community project designed to help him achieve Eagle Scout. Recently dedicated Anglo American Field is one of eight fields at the new Kincaid Park soccer complex to receive informational kiosks built by Barber.
The 6.5-foot tall, three-sided wooden and powder-coated steel structures, which are located at all field entrances, took approximately five hours each to assemble and install. Each side of the kiosk provides a different segment of information including donor recognition, field name and a map, and information about local wildlife, culture and Kincaid Park history, such as the park being formerly a Nike missile site.
Barber coordinated the entire project and led his team of volunteers to complete and install the kiosks in time for the Alaska State Cup Soccer Tournament held in early August. Throughout the project, Barber worked with Land Design North, which oversees the improvement aspects of the Kincaid Project, www.kincaidproject.org. While the project was funded by the Kincaid Project Group, Barber negotiated prices with suppliers and also secured donations.
Barber, 15, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 176 chartered by the Kulis Senior Enlisted Association at Kulis Alaska National Guard Base. Within the past two years, nine Troop 176 Scouts have achieved the rank of Eagle. Nationwide, roughly five percent of all Boy Scouts earned Eagle Scout rank in 2009, at the average age of 17. After progressing through various Boy Scout ranks and earning required merit badges, a Scout plans and completes a community service project. The service project is traditionally the last step on a Scouts long journey toward earning the rank of Eagle.
Anglo American, a 50-50 partner in the Pebble Partnership, recently donated $100,000 as a major sponsor of the Kincaid Park soccer complex
The Pebble Project is located in Southwest Alaska on state land designated for mineral exploration and development. It is situated approximately 1,000 feet above sea-level and 65 miles from tidewater on Cook Inlet. The Pebble Partnership was established in July 2007 as a 50:50 partnership between a subsidiary of Anglo American plc and an affiliate of Northern Dynasty Minerals, Ltd.