Eagle Scout Builds Outdoor Seating Area for TBPHC

Article submitted by Carter Soderburg

In the summer of 2020, Carter Soderberg spent several weeks at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center (TBPHC) visiting patient Mallory Maclay Creixell, mother of his best friend, Mateo. Mallory battled her last days of cancer at TBPHC. During her stay, they all took peaceful walks around the pond, feeding the ducks and reflecting on life, while immersed in the beauty of the area. Carter, a member of Boy Scout Troop 838 of Dallas, noticed that an outdoor seating area near the pond would be the perfect addition to the serene setting and decided to dedicate his Eagle Scout Service Project toward building one. 

Carter was able to raise funds needed for the seating area by working with Good Space, a for-profit venture to rejuvenate charming but distressed buildings, located in Oak Cliff. He spent a few weeks working with friends to re-landscape a traffic circle for the City of Dallas, and in return he earned the finances needed for his project. With the help of friends and scout leaders, Carter designed his project including two rustic, stained and sealed wooden benches to accent the area he knew so well. Carter worked with his friends and scout leaders to build and install the benches in June of 2022. Carter hopes his project provides a sense of comfort to families whose loved ones spend time at TBPHC.

Carter has been a lifelong scout, starting out as a Tiger Cub Scout in first grade, and now earning the rank of Eagle Scout as a senior at Cistercian Preparatory School. He completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review this past summer. Carter is hopeful that through his service project, he may be a small part of someone’s healing process.

The following young men helped Carter bring this project to life: Gus Coligado, Mateo Creixell, William Greene, Connor Lipscomb, Coleton Power, Ryan Smith, Lucas Trotman and Mark Westerman.