Clinton Visitor Center beneficiary of Eagle Scout service project

Special to The Clinton Courier

Eagle Scout Joseph Belser recently restored the walking bridge located behind the Clinton Visitor Center.

The Clinton Visitor Center is the beneficiary of Eagle Scout Joseph Belser’s service project to reconstruct and restore the walking bridge located behind the center. Belser reinforced the infrastructure of the bridge with updated wooden beams and secured the foundation along the creek with rocks and cement to support the bridge. He built new side railings, top and bottom balusters, updated the newel posts and stained the bridge with a deck stain for a lasting finish.

Belser raised the funds to purchase all his building materials. Labor for the renovation was provided by scout leaders with Boy Scouts of America, Troop 518 at Anderson United Methodist Church located in Jackson. Belser was sponsored by the Anderson United Methodist Men, AUMM, and the support of his parents.

The project took over one hundred man-hours and was completed in August of 2025.

Belser said that he is proud of his work and feels many people will enjoy the renovated walking bridge.

”It feels good to be done with the project,” he said. “Many visitors, photographers and the community will enjoy this restoration at the center.”

Service to others is an important part of the Scout Oath: “to help other people at all times.” Today, support from the community is important to scouting – just as important as scouting contributions are to the community.

Clinton Visitor Center officials say the Center is honored to have been the beneficiary of many Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts efforts throughout the years.