Eagle Scout Project
​ Themed Shade Structures for the City of Carlsbad, California

To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, I created two shade structures for the city of Carlsbad, California. The shade structures cover trail head maps, and prevent the sun from fading their information. 

Due to their close proximity to the Leo Carrillo Ranch, a city park, I created the structures to fit into the surrounding style of the area by giving them mission tile styled roofs. 

Two different designs had to be created in order to properly shade both sites. Site 1 uses an A Frame styled roof, whereas Site 2 uses a single angled surface. 

Project Development

After approaching the city of Carlsbad and learning about their dilemma with the fading signs, I began to develop shade structures that would serve to extend the style of architecture found within Leo Carrillo Ranch. 

The structures serve as an extension of the park's atmosphere within the trails surrounding it.  Two initial design sketches were created as the basis for the project. 

After this, I worked with members of my Boy Scout Troop, and their parents, to help engineer the design to last for a decade, and withstand winds 60-70 mph. Once the initial measurements were taken and plans were drawn up, we met again with the city, as well as local housing associations, to discuss the design. 

After some height modifications at the request of the city, we began constructing the roof pieces. Due to the heaviness and expensive nature of mission tiles, a faux tile plastic material was chosen instead. This material mimics the appearance of tile, without the weight or construction hassle. 

After they were completed, we moved to the two sites, where we dug 3 feet down on each side of the trail head signs. Once dug, triple-checked to make sure the holes were even, then we poured concrete into each one. C-clamps were then quickly added and adjusted in the concrete. The concrete was allowed to cure for a week long period, and the sites were checked periodically. 

Raising the Roof! x2

Once the structures were built and the concrete was cured, it was time to raise the roof structures. To do this, I called upon my fellow troop members and their families for help. 

These structures weigh close to 250 pounds each, and are 10 feet tall when fully raised. To ensure the safety of everyone, we had a minimum of two people on each side of the structure while it was being raised, along with additional spotters who could jump in if any problems were to occur. Once the bottom of each structure was bolted in, we continued to have  individuals hold the sides in place while final checks were carried out.

During all on site days, helpers were briefed on first aid procedures, and provided with food, water, and adequate shade.