ROCHELLE – Picnic tables at public parks often can become run down over time, and the tables at booster park in Creston were no different.  But that’s not the case anymore after the local Boy Scout Troop 553 and members of the Horicon Masonic Lodge No. 244 spent the afternoon repainting them.
“The Boy Scout leader told me the boys were looking to do service hours as part of their merit badge earnings,” explained Ken Stoll, Masonic Lodge treasurer and Boy Scout Troop charter representative.
Before the new paint job the tables were brown, with white patches that were used to cover up graffiti. Once the painting was finished the tables were a bright red color.

All of the paint and supplies were provided by the Creston Dement Park District, and the project was aimed at improving the entire community while also helping the Scouts earn a merit badge.
“It shows that people can work together,” said Stoll. “And it shows the boys how they can help out and be a part of the community.”
The Boy Scouts received service hours and a merit badge for their time and work, but they were there for more than just rewards.
“I am happy to be able to help out where I can,” said Boy Scout CJ Sedlock. “It gives me satisfaction to know that we can make something old look better.”
Painting picnic tables at the local park may not be the largest issue in the community, but every aspect is important and the Boy Scouts understand their work is appreciated.
“On a community scale, there are more important things that can be done,” said Sedlock. “But it is the little things in between that count too.”