By: Maggie DiGiovanni
Elmore Autauga News
As expected at any dedication, the roster held a list of speakers. Everyone settled down to have the new Panther Palace Playground handed over to the Town of Eclectic. Mayor Gary Davenport stood at the podium to do the honors and thank those responsible for bringing the dream to life.
Given a grant for the job, Mayor Davenport explained that some of the funds went toward solving drainage problems. With the removal of standing water in the park after rains, the threat of mosquitoes hatching in those waters is diminished. Thanks went out to Jackson Prince Construction, Hercules Corp which provided the new playground equipment, and the primary town employees, Ricky, Lee, and Beau who worked diligently to complete the project.
At that point, the dedication took a more personal turn. Eagle Scouts took over the ceremony to pay homage to one of their own who brought something extra to the park. Gardner Davis Cameron became the focus of all who spoke and all who gathered in the park for the dedication.
It is said that when a person dies, there is a date when he was born and a date when he died, separated by a hyphen on the headstone. That tiny hyphen represents the biggest part of that person’s life, for it is everything he did between the two dates.
Gardner Cameron, December 29, 2005 – March 16, 2022, put so much living into that tiny hyphen. Friends, his mentor, Dr. Jack Payne, his mother, Teresa Diane Champion, and neighbors remember him as someone who wanted to make things better for others. But those who visit the playground and who know his story will remember him for the project he brought to the mayor’s attention.
Gardner became a Boy Scout and moved through the ranks to reach Eagle Scout. Those familiar with the scouts know that boys must earn merit badges to move through the ranks. Gardner knew he wanted not only to earn badges but to do something to remind others of the sacrifices of military veterans. His mother, who served over six years, was a veteran.
Gathering his courage, he called on Mayor Davenport to discuss his idea. As he does with all who visit him, the mayor listened intently to Gardner’s plan. It involved the playground renovation and would require the diligence of all involved in its renovation. It would especially involve Gardner and his fellow scouts.
Gardner Davis Cameron did not live to see the project come to fruition. In his place, his fellow scouts and scoutmaster made certain their friend’s dream came true. That is why today, along with the dedication of the Panther Palace Playground, another dedication came to life.
Scouts raised the American Flag over well-placed bricks that held veterans’ names who served their country well. On two sides are benches for those who wish to sit and remember their loved ones or others who wish to honor them. In between the benches is a flowerbed that waits to blossom in the spring. The service did not last long, but the pride of those who knew Gardner will long survive.
Troop 307 honored one of their own, a boy of sixteen who showed maturity beyond his years when he had the courage to dream and to make that dream come true.
