A Berks County Boy Scout was recognized for designing and building a new accessible fishing pier at Blue Marsh Lake, a project officials say will benefit the community for years to come.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in April at the lake’s Stilling Basin, honoring Gavin Wanner for his volunteer service during National Volunteer Week.
Wanner, an 18-year-old senior in the Exeter School District and member of Troop 377, first approached park rangers in the spring of 2025 with the idea to replace the site’s aging fishing pier, which was more than 25 years old and in need of repairs.
“I wanted to do something that would last,” Wanner said. “My family and I spend a lot of time here at Blue Marsh… fishing, hiking, all that stuff. So just something here was the original goal.”
Owned and operated by the Army Corps, Blue Marsh Lake is a popular recreation area in Berks County, featuring more than 36 miles of trails and activities including boating, swimming, hiking, and fishing. The Stilling Basin area, where the pier is located, is a well-known fishing spot for species such as bass, catfish, and walleye.
Over the course of roughly a year and a half, Wanner dedicated more than 700 volunteer hours to designing, coordinating, and managing construction of the new pier. The project included months of planning and collaboration with park staff, followed by hands-on construction that wrapped up earlier this year.
“We started planning about a little over a year ago… we were in the planning phase for about six months… and then we started construction,” Wanner said.
The finished structure includes an ADA-compliant walkway, improved railings, and enhanced structural resilience designed to withstand high water flow conditions. Officials said the upgrades will provide safer and more accessible fishing opportunities, particularly for visitors who use wheelchairs.
Wanner also raised more than $3,600 to support the project and organized volunteer workdays to complete the build, working closely with Blue Marsh rangers throughout the process.
“I’ve never actually worked with concrete,” Wanner said. “So pouring this walkway was something new.”
Despite the challenges, including the scale of the project and extensive planning requirements, Wanner said completing the work made the effort worthwhile.
“There was a lot going on with it… a lot of paperwork that I really was not looking forward to,” he said.
Lt. Col. Ryan Baum, commander of the Philadelphia District of the Army Corps of Engineers, said the project leaves a lasting impact on the community.
“He’s given a lasting and meaningful gift to Blue Marsh and to this community,” Baum said during the ceremony.
Retired Blue Marsh Park Manager Scott Sunderland also presented Wanner with a Volunteer Excellence Coin on behalf of the Corps Foundation, recognizing his contribution. The award was kept a surprise until the day of the event, where family and friends gathered for the ceremony.
“This week is National Volunteer Week and so it’s very appropriate and fitting that we can honor Gavin today,” Baum said.
Park officials said the project stands out even among other service efforts at the lake.
“The project goes above and beyond any Eagle Scout Project conducted at the Blue Marsh Lake,” said Bri Treichler, a natural resource specialist and park ranger.
Wanner is currently completing the final steps toward earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in Scouting America, which requires earning more than 21 merit badges and completing a major service project.
For Wanner, the experience reinforced the importance of choosing a project with personal meaning.
“Having something that means something to you helps a lot with the motivation of getting it done,” he said.
Officials said volunteer contributions like Wanner’s are critical to maintaining public recreation areas. At Blue Marsh Lake alone, hundreds of volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year to help maintain trails, protect habitats, and support park operations.
Nationally, nearly 43,000 volunteers contribute millions of labor hours annually across Army Corps sites, saving an estimated $66 million in taxpayer dollars.
The newly completed fishing pier is now open for public use, providing expanded access to one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations.
