Scout to clean bike path graffiti

When Robert Griffith sees a problem he figures out how to solve it and doesn’t mind putting in a little sweat to gain that solution.

When graffiti along the BN Railway bike and pedestrian path became an increasing problem this spring, Griffith, 14, knew he wanted to do something.

“I usually ride my bike along the path and it’s good to see it cleaned up,” he said.

A portion of the loop trail has been closed while crews clean up the Whitefish River this spring and summer. That closure seems to have encouraged vandalism, including dozens of graffiti tags that have marred stone retaining walls, benches, light posts and the path itself.

Griffith contacted the city and asked if he could help. He has turned the work into a full scale project by organizing a cleanup with other volunteers as he works toward becoming an Eagle Scout.

An Eagle Scout is the Boy Scout’s highest rank and is accomplished by executing a service project, in addition to earning a number of merit badges and proving leadership skills. To earn the rank, the Scout also goes before a review board.

Griffith spent two days last week cleaning graffiti off sheds, stone walls and fences along the path. He also cleaned up garbage and cleared weeds near the path. He expects to clean about 1.5 miles of the trail.

“We want people to feel safe using the trail,” his dad, Robert Griffith, said. “We want to open it up and make it visible. If we remove the graffiti they will be less likely to do it again.”

Prior to the work, Griffith organized donations for materials and food to feed his work crew. The businesses that donated include The Shak, Safeway, Super 1, Subway, Pizza Hut, Midway Rental, Ace Hardware and Western Building Supply.

When the project is complete, Griffith expects to have put about 60 hour into it. At 14, Griffith acknowledges that he is younger than most Scouts working on their Eagle Scout.

“This is a good way to give back to the community,” he said. “My dad earned his Eagle Scout and I wanted to get mine. I decided I wanted to have my Eagle sooner so I can have more fun with other areas of Scouts.”

Griffith worked along the north and south edges of the trail last week. This Thursday and Friday he plans to move inside the closed area and continue working along with help from his fellow Scouts in Troop 1936.

The Scouts involvement with the trail will continue beyond Griffith’s Eagle project. Troop 1936 has volunteered to be a sort of “graffiti patrol” for the trail.

“When there is graffiti the city will call us and we’ll assemble a team to clean it up,” Griffith said. “We want to stay on top of it.”