Eagle Scout project helps make Lincoln more attractive

 

[November 21, 2024] 

Some of you may have seen concrete blocks painted with watermelons or other designs at various spots around Lincoln. These blocks were part of Soren Aukamp’s Eagle Scout project.

Soren Aukamp’s father Bret said, “Soren has always enjoyed painting. His original idea for an Eagle Project was to re-paint the murals at the South Kickapoo Street underpass since they are in poor condition, but due to the liability insurance and other requirements from the railroad, the project would have been cost prohibitive.”

Soren said, “I chose the project after the project I was originally planning to do fell through. I was originally planning on repainting the underpass on west Kickapoo street. I was not able to paint that, so I started looking for other things to paint in town.”

Fortunately, Soren was already in contact with Walt Landers, Lincoln City Street & Alley Superintendent. Bret said that landers suggested a few other projects that would be similar to the underpass murals.

When Soren saw the crude concrete blocks next to the outdoor dining areas, he decided to try to make them look better.

As Bret said, the parking blocks will be used at various downtown businesses with outdoor seating.

It was a somewhat time-consuming project. Soren said, “the project took from the middle of my summer break to the beginning of the school year. Most of this time was spent getting the project approved by the city council, researching different types of paints, primers and sealers, and working with Sherwin Williams to get the supplies I would need.”

The City of Lincoln purchased the blocks and all of the supplies. Bret said, “Soren developed the ideas, coordinated the labor, and carried out the project. He was able to do this mainly on weekends during August and September. His aunt was instrumental in creating the original designs, many of which highlight Lincoln’s cultural history. Soren chose his favorites and sketched layouts for each of the blocks.”

Soren said, “with the help of the scouts in my troop, we painted seven blocks in total.”

All of the images on the blocks were inspired by things around Lincoln. For example, Soren said these images include the Mill, the Tropics sign and the covered wagon.

For a lot of the designs, Soren said “I have to credit to my aunt, Anna-Marie Zurlinden, who is an artist. She was a big help with designing and painting. Even though I was not able to go through with my original project, I am still very proud of the outcome of this one.

Service projects like the one Soren Aukamp did are a requirement for any youth to earn their Eagle Scout rank. These projects are intended to benefit the community and require a significant effort to complete. Eagle Projects allow Scouts to demonstrate the leadership skills they have developed and also make a positive impact.

Not only do Soren’s painted blocks make a positive impact by providing visual appeal, but they also share a bit of Lincoln’s history.

[Angela Reiners]