The project was in pursuit of his rank as an Eagle Scout. Meanwhile, fellow scouts and volunteers plant the grass and work on the fence posts.
By Kevin Dickson
Special to the Voice
City resident Eddie Fagnani led members of West Haven Boy Scout Troops 802 and 899 and family and friends in his Eagle Scout project on May 3 to increase sustainability of the city’s shoreline by planting beach grass and creating a protective fence at Dawson Avenue Beach.
Fagnani, 16, always strives to be an active participant of his community and to make a difference for both the residents of West Haven and the nature and ecology that people appreciate so much.
The project was completed with the help of many volunteers and will leave a lasting improvement for the beach and its ecology.
Fagnani started the project in winter 2025 when he asked Parks and Recreation Director Mark E. Paine Jr. for an area of need in the city where he could make a difference.
Paine explained to Fagnani the importance of beach grass to the beach and its ecosystem as habitat, protection, and a way to prevent sand from blowing onto Dawson and Ocean avenues and properties along the shore.
Paine informed Fagnani that he could provide the beach grass through a grant, but he also challenged him to create and lead the project to plant the grass, build a protective fence and educate the community on the importance of preserving the grass.
Fagnani accepted the challenge and went right to work.
He met with Troop 802’s Scoutmaster, Steve Shine, to game-plan his project and to write a proposal for approval by the local Boy Scouts of America council.
With help from Shine, Paine and West Haven High School biology teacher Kevin Dickson, Fagnani created a plan and had it approved. He then met with Paine to order the beach grass and had it delivered.
With the delivery expected for late April or early May, he researched the materials needed for the fence from different companies to create a sustainable fence at a reasonable cost.
Fagnani also made an announcement to both Boy Scout troops and to his family members and friends, hoping they could pitch in to accomplish the project and make a difference for the city.
The time from March to the end of April sped by, but because of Fagnani’s leadership, teamwork and resource management, the project was ready to go.
He even asked for assistance from Taylor Paredes, who teaches graphic design at West Haven High, to create signs that acknowledge the purpose of the project and raise ecological awareness for the beach. Paredes helped with the signs, free of charge, and was proud to be part of the project.
Fagnani would like to thank Paine, Dickson, Paredes and John Farley, along with his Scout Masters, fellow Scouts, family and friends, for all their hard work on May 3. In under four hours, the grass was planted, the fence was raised and the signs were posted.
Fagnani said he is proud of everybody for helping to make this unique opportunity come true for the community.
Stop by the beach near the Dawson Avenue parking lot, across from the West Shore Fire Department, to check out the project.
Awesomeness! Thanks for jumping in and taking an important step. Really wonderful and appreciated.