COCHECTON - Jenna Kratz grew up in Cochecton with the Cochecton Men's Club Field as her backyard. The park boasts a baseball field, tennis court, playground and more, but in recent years Kratz watched as it fell into disrepair. So she decided to do something about it.

A senior at Sullivan West High School, Kratz took on the project of fixing up the park for her Girl Scouts Gold Award project. Kratz has been in the Girl Scouts for 13 years and she's currently in Troop #736 in Callicoon with leader Joanne Rosenberger.

The prestigious Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts. Only 5.4 percent of eligible Scouts successfully earn the award. The person must complete at least 80 hours of work and the project must have a lasting impression on the community.

A grand opening was held at the park this past weekend. Since August, Kratz has been working hard—she tore out and rebuilt new bleachers, installed a new wooden toy truck and a new playground set.

She did much of the work herself, even building the bleachers. She worked with her parents, Frank and Kasey Kratz who own Cochecton Self Storage, Pleasant Mount Self Storage and Kratz Concrete. “If it wasn't for them and the help of a few other people this project would not have come as far as it has,” Jenna said.

With the financial planning help of her mom, Jenna was able to raise $4,000. She also received donations from Callicoon Supply, who donated lumber for the bleachers, and Holser Sawmill donated mulch. She held bake sales at various locations, including the Dime Bank in Damascus, to raise funds.

In addition to being a Girl Scout, Jenna has a full plate that is sure to keep her busy. She plays sports in school and outside of school including soccer, basketball and softball. She plays the flute in school band and sings Soprano in the chorus, and is in the school musicals. After graduating she plans to go to college to study to become a physical education and health teacher.

Jenna is happy to see the project come to fruition. “I wanted to give back to the community before I headed off,” she said. Now the people of Cochecton and surrounding areas have a nice, brand new park for people of all ages to enjoy.