Santos Skills Park Gets a New
Feature
The Santos Trailhead Skills Park recently had a new feature added,
thanks to the hard work of an Ocala Boy Scout. Sam Maynard Jr.
completed his Eagle Scout requirements by acting as the project
manager, and providing his sweat equity to the construction and
installation of 2 benches along the Santos trails and, a new Skinny
at the Skills
 Park.
In the fall of 2005, Sam’s dad – Sam Maynard Sr. – contacted the
Florida Office of Greenways and trails, inquiring about the
possibility of his son completing some type of project that would
benefit the Santos mountain bike trails. OGT contacted OMBA and
asked that the club work with Sam Jr. on deciding what could be
built. After some discussion with the club, it was decided that more
benches could be used along the trails and, a Skinny could be a
popular addition to the new Skills Park at the trailhead.
Sam’s Scout Master, David Wade, gave him a list of requirements that
he would have to meet to obtain the rank of Eagle Scout. Acting as
the manager of the project, Sam had to accomplish the following:
• Work with OMBA on a design for the Skinny and then submit to OGT
and IMBA a drawing of that plan. OGT and IMBA had to sign-off on the
drawing before work could begin.
• Come up with a design for the benches.
• Assemble a group that he would lead to build and install the
structures.
• Obtain donations of materials for the benches.
• Build and install the structures.
After several months of preparation, Sam had his work crew
consisting of mom & dad,
(Sam Maynard Sr. and Tammy Maynard), and 2 friends; Tobie and
Jaclynn. Belleview Building Materials and J.R.S. custom Fabrications
donated materials for the benches. And Sam got the approval of his
design for the Skinny from OGT and OMBA.
Over the course of 2 Saturdays and a combined 62 man/woman hours,
Sam and his crew completed the benches and Skinny.
I had the great pleasure of working with Sam, in the planning stages
before construction and when they built and installed the Skinny.
Throughout this process, he was professional, personable and truly
dedicated towards giving something to the Santos trails that riders
would appreciate and enjoy for years to come. His parents should be
very proud of this young man, I know I was!
Thanks Sam!
John Brigan
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