City honors local teen for building Peace Arch picnic area

After a lot of hard work, a local teenager has left his mark at Peace Arch State Park.

Blaine High School student Shawn Williams has been a Boy Scout for six years and recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout after completing a project that he’s been working on for nearly two years: a covered picnic area in Peace Arch State Park.

On October 27, Blaine City Council acknowledged Williams’ work with a Blaine Builder award. The award is given to local citizens who have actively worked to improve Blaine.

“Today, we have a covered shelter that is enjoyed by park visitors from both sides of the border,” said Jason Snow, park ranger for the park.

Williams learned of the need for a second covered shelter after he contacted Snow to ask about doing his volunteer project in Peace Arch State Park.

“These days, it’s getting harder and harder for people to find a sheltered outdoor venue,” Snow said. “At Peace Arc Park, there was only one covered picnic shelter available for people to use, and it was often reserved.”

Williams logged more than 1,500 hours on his project from start to finish. As the shelter would be built on state property within city limits, Williams had to negotiate with state, city and park officials to gain approval.

Williams persevered, with help from his father and a handful of volunteers from his Boy Scout troop. He not only learned about the workings of state and local government, he raised donations and developed valuable construction skills along the way.

After graduation, Williams plans to attend the University of British Columbia, where he will pursue a degree in kinesiology. He hopes to be a police officer one day.