Eagle Scout spruces up King Gillette Ranch


THUMBS-UP— Above, Will Kanny, right, with Ranger Scott Hughes, park manager at King Gillette Ranch, in front of the finished kiosk. At right, part of the 70-feet of fencing that was also installed.

THUMBS-UP— Above, Will Kanny, right, with Ranger Scott Hughes, park manager at King Gillette Ranch, in front of the finished kiosk. At right, part of the 70-feet of fencing that was also installed.

For Will Kanny of Agoura Hills Scout Troop 127, perseverance paid off during the pandemic. He completed his Eagle Scout project March 28 at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas.

Will built an outdoor kiosk made of redwood where visitors to the park can find useful information. Ranger Scott Hughes, the park manager, oversaw the installation.

Will’s first attempt at the project was canceled due to COVID-19.

Once it was deemed safe to proceed, special arrangements were made to accommodate the volunteers. All participants adhered to protocols by wearing masks and working in family groups in designated areas that were socially distanced.

Because many film and television productions are shot at King Gillette Ranch, the kiosk needed portability. To construct such a structure, Will relied on Calabasas City Councilmember Peter Kraut, an engineer by trade and former Boy Scout assistant scoutmaster. Kraut’s expertise and know-how were an invaluable part of the build, Will said.

Courtesy photos

Courtesy photos

To provide a safety barrier between the kiosk and a nearby creek bed, Will and his volunteers installed 70 feet of fencing.

Will’s mentor, Robert Burns, who counseled the Scout throughout the project, was charged with handling the auger to create the deep holes needed for the posts.

Will joined Troop 127 in 2015 and has held several leadership positions, including patrol leader, historian, chaplain aide and assistant senior patrol leader.

He is a junior at Viewpoint School and a member of the basketball team and school newspaper.

Will is the son of Matt and Kim Kanny of Agoura Hills.