Teen builds benches for Kentuck Art Center as Eagle Scout project

A local teen is ensuring visitors to Northport’s Kentuck Art Center have a comfortable spot to take in the sites outdoors as part of his path toward Eagle Scout.

Hunter Tunnell, a 17-year-old student at Tuscaloosa County High School and a Life Scout with Tuscaloosa’s Boy Scout Troop 90 decided he’d build six benches for Kentuck’s Courtyard of Wonders as his Eagle Scout Project.

According to a Kentuck news release, Tunnell spent eight months planning, financing and building the benches.

The six Leopold benches, named for their creator Aldo Leopold, are popular with birdwatchers because of their design.

“Kentuck Art Center is thrilled to have new places for arts patrons to sit when they visit Kentuck’s Courtyard of Wonders,” said Kentuck Executive Director Amy Echols in a statement. “Hunter and his team did a wonderful job organizing this project and building these benches. Thousands of courtyard visitors will benefit from Hunter’s work for years to come. Thank you Hunter and all the volunteers for your hard work.”

Eagle Scout is the highest rank among members of the Boy Scouts of America.