When Fox Acres volunteered to build a patio at the local community park it only seemed logical to incorporate FFA chapters into the venture. Mark has an extensive history with the FFA including being awarded the 1997 American Star in Agribusiness. He is the only Ohioan to achieve this prestigious award. A graduate of East Knox High School he often competed against the Westfall and Logan Elm Chapters. He decided to give back to these chapters after beating them in many competitions while he was in high school.
Westfall and Logan Elm FFA Chapters both received two days of in class lectures on paver installation before heading to the jobsite. The students (and teachers) learned everything from the history of pavers to the construction of a paver patio. The powerpoint presentation included important techniques Mark learned while becoming ICPI certified. The students also learned the importance of site visits and being a credible installer.
While at the jobsite each chapter installed a patio from start to finish except the excavating. They learned hands on layout and grade prep, fabric installation, base material installation, compaction, sand setting bed, paver laying techniques and installation, and finishing touches.
A big thank you goes to Oberfields, Inc. for donating the pavers for this project. Base material was donated by a member of the township. Fox Acres donated their time for the instruction and assistance with installation.
Plans are already underway to teach students sitting walls and columns as well as planting design and installation in the fall. If you would like to join us by donating to this service venture please contact Fox Acres, LLC at 740-474-9023
