By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

INDEPENDENCE TWP. — Drew Salkowski is a young man who simply wants to help his local community.
The Clarkston Junior High School ninth grader recently created a hammock garden at the Clarkston Independence District Library for his Eagle Scout project with Boy Scout Troop 185. The garden is on the lawn at the end of the library’s parking lot.
“The project is essentially a group of hammocks put in a space and are connected allowing people to relax and socialize,” explained Salkowski. “I was brainstorming on what my Eagle Scout project should be with my mom and we ran across an article that showed how DTE was installing hammock gardens at local schools. I thought it would be a good idea and it would benefit the community as a whole. I presented my project to the library and they really liked it and supported me throughout the process.
“My project gives the community an outdoor space to read, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.”
Salkowski said the process in creating the hammock garden started earlier this year.
“I had to create a project plan that included all of the materials, labor, and anticipated cost,” said Salkowski. “My plan required approval from CIDL and my troop. The project took me six months from planning through execution and final delivery. A large amount of time was spent fundraising. I ran a returnable can drive to offset most of the cost of the project. Materials were purchased and volunteers were coordinated for the final part of the execution of the project.”
The hammock garden is a source of pride for Salkowski, but he knows it was far from a one-person journey.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped me make this project a success, including my soccer teammates who all showed up to help get the project done,” Salkowski said. “They worked super hard and in some cases, a lot harder than they expected. They stayed late so I could complete the project according to my original project schedule.”
Away from Boy Scouts, Salkowski is a goalkeeper with the Clarkston High School Varsity and JV A soccer teams and played in the district finals this season as a freshman.
He also plays soccer for Liverpool North Oakland.
Down the line, Salkowski wants to go to college and continue to play soccer. He also plans to finish his Eagle Scout rank shortly and stay connected to his troop.

PHOTO: From left Nathan Saker (Troop 185), Jim Salkowski, Drew Salkowski, Paulette Salkowski, Joel Carter (Troop 189), Nick Salkowski (Troop 185) enjoy the new hammock garden at the Oct. 21 kickoff event. Photo: Sissy Phillips