EAGLE SCOUT BUILDS DIVE BENCH

Eagle Scout Cole Randolph

By LINDA ANN McDONALD Correspondent

Eagle Scout Cole Randolph wanted to make a difference. He assisted both research and recreational specialists by heading the Emerald Sink Dive Bench project at Wakulla Springs State Park.
Along with his father Roger, he offered his services to the park. After meeting with park staff to review a list of possible projects including updating a previous Wakulla Springs State Park Eagle Scout project, the Tree Walk interpretive nature trail. Cole chose to tackle the Emerald Sink Dive Bench due to the uniqueness of the project.
After receiving final approval from the park, Cole solicited funding for his project by meeting with Woodville Karst Plain Project (WKPP) research diver Chris Werner, who reported his organization had money to contribute to the project and made a significant donation.
Cole also met with Gulf Coast Lumber which provided discounts for materials. Cole’s perseverance did not stop there, he utilized a “GoFundMe” page to obtain the additional funds needed.
In effort to improve cave diving access at the remote site, in January 2023, after several days, two wooden benches were built to endure visitor use and provide easy access for divers without blocking the public stair entrance.
Cole’s design provided ample room for easy unloading of double tanks and other features for smaller gear. Cole’s Scoutmaster, Lambert West, improved the design and sturdiness with a series of probing questions. Boards were cut to specification prior to onsite installation.
As required for Eagle Scout, Cole was responsible for all aspects of project planning including implementation. For his building plan, he solicited input from park staff, local dive businesses and WKPP research divers. Cole also led the work crew of his family and fellow scouts. Cole’s Scoutmaster, an Eagle Scout and master builder also assisted Cole with crew and construction supervision. Cole also had to plan for working in a remote area; so preparations for a generator for power tools along with plenty of food and water for his crew were made.
Cole’s contribution filled a special need for the cave diving community. Due to the high quality of the benches, Cole’s contribution will continue to benefit research and recreational divers for many years to come.
For his Eagle Scout service, Cole met a high bar and made a significant contribution to the park.
Former Tallahassee Community College Construction Manager Chip Herrington, who happened to be a visitor to the park, evaluated the benches on a previous visit and was impressed with the quality of construction.
“To enhance my leadership skills,” Cole said, “I learned how to lead not one part of the project, but multiple parts and assign leaders, I had to observe to see what they were doing, I was able to see the entire bigger picture of the project.
“Wakulla County is a kind county to live in and it was great to see all who were willing to help me and the project.”