The Palmerton Memorial Park now has more signs and an improved nature trail that wraps around the pool area.

It has Collin Moore to thank for it after he built the Palmerton Memorial Park Nature Trail for his Eagle Scout Project.

Collin, 17, a senior at Northwestern Lehigh High School, is a member of Minsi Trails Council, Lehigh District, Troop 1600 of Allentown at Jordan UCC.

As part of his project, Collin built two kiosks, one at each end of the trail at each parking lot; designed signage for the kiosks and created a new pamphlet to accompany the nature trail; and removed old signage throughout the nature trail.

Collin said he began his project in June and completed it last month, and added it took him about 306 hours to complete.

He said he received donations, such as a $1,500 grant from Teenworks, an arm of United Way, who said this was the group’s first project approved for Carbon County, as the majority are within Lehigh County and they were excited to have one now in Carbon.

In addition, Pappas Landcare of Slatington donated the concrete, gravel, machinery and some labor to assist with setting the posts, as Collin’s Troop had issues with digging into existing concrete and large rocks that required larger equipment. Also, 84 Lumber donated all the lumber, about $500 worth, and then Collin was also able to get gift cards or discounts from Home Depot, Weis in Schnecksville, and ORE equipment rentals in Allentown.

In all, Collin was able to fundraise about $2,620. The total project cost was $2,224, with the remaining funds staying with PMPA.

Collin, who has been a Cub Scout since the age of 6, explained how his project came to be.

“A family friend was a member of the Palmerton Memorial Park Association Board, and said they were looking for a project and they reached out,” he said. “I hope I helped everyone here as much as they helped me.”

Collin, the son of Sara and Gary Moore of Schnecksville, said he’s been to the area before, mostly to the Palmerton Memorial Pool.

“I never knew there was a trail until I did this project,” he said. “It’s a really nice trail.”

Ed Shellhammer, president, PMPA board of directors, said they are thankful to Collin for the addition.

“It’s been a long time in coming,” Shellhammer said. “It’s a major face-lift, and we believe his job was excellent.”

Clare Papay, board member of PMPA, said the project should help draw attention to the nature trail.

“We hope Collin’s project brings awareness for the nature trail,” Papay said. “We want people to come enjoy the park, and we’re thankful to Collin and his family for the work he put in.”

Collin thanked his Scoutmaster Scott Rarick, his family, members of the board of PMPA and others.

While he’s pleased with the outcome, Collin said that if he could have done anything differently, he would have done more planning.

“It was a fun thing to put together, a lot of effort,” he said. “It was well worth it; I hope it serves a purpose, benefits the community.”

The Palmerton Memorial Park Nature Trail was established to honor the men and women of the area who served in the United States military during World Wars I and II.

Dedicated on May 30, 1947, the park was created as a lasting community memorial and a place for recreation and reflection.

Nestled within 18 acres of woodland, this nature trail is an easy walk through a diverse forest ecosystem surrounding the park’s recreational facilities.

As you explore, take time to observe the native plants, wildlife, and seasonal changes that make this trail unique throughout the year.

The park is operated and maintained by the nonprofit Palmerton Memorial Park Association, continuing a tradition of community stewardship for nearly 80 years.