By Janine DavisRecord Staff WriterMarthasville will soon have a new, all-natural setting for learning when a local Eagle Scout candidate gets started on creating an outdoor classroom and meeting space.The project is expected to be completed next spring.During last week’s monthly board of aldermen meeting, Scott Chisholm received approval from the board and the Rusche Park Board to build an amphitheater with a 10-by-10-foot stage and seating for about 90 people behind the town’s historic Grabs House and near the elementary school. This will allow students and other groups to enjoy the outdoors during lessons and other programs.“When I was in elementary school we’d want to go outside if it was a really nice day,” said Chisholm. “This will be a classroom setting that allows kids to get to enjoy the weather and be involved in nature while they learn.”Chisholm said he and other Scouts had been clearing an old trail near the Grabs House that was an earlier Eagle Scout project. It was during that clean-up that he had the idea of extending the trail to lead to a place where students could learn outside.“My troop started clearing out the trail as a service project, and we thought this would be a great beginning to a place people could come and just be outside,” he said.Chisholm said he estimates materials for the project will cost about $1,500. He is approaching local businesses about donating lumber, rock and other materials.‘A Tremendous Resource for the City’“I haven’t spoken with anyone who doesn’t think this is a good idea,” said Mayor Jason Schantz. “Relative to the benefit it’s going to give to the community, this is a very inexpensive project. It would be fantastic to get some local businesses to contribute, but I would think the city would be able to help as well on something that’s going to benefit the community, the school, youth groups and beyond.”Schantz said that having a permanent structure behind the Grabs House would offer a perfect venue for historical talks, and noted that the spot could be used broadly by youth and other organizations in the area, as well as the elementary school.“There’s a lot of potential for this to be a tremendous resource for the city,” said the Rev. Don Deeker, Rusche Park Board member. “We could have the state Department of Conservation folks come out and identify the trees and label them.”Scout master Dave Chisholm said the Boy Scouts would make upkeep of the area a priority.“We have an abundance of youth in our troop, so you can be assured it will be maintained as one of the service projects we undertake,” said the elder Chisholm.Schantz said the community’s contribution through donations toward the project bodes well for future grant funding for the city’s parks.“Grant opportunities for parks and recreation are very competitive today,” said Schantz. “The more local communities can kick in, the better their chances are of securing additional funding for their parks in terms of expansion, maintenance and so on. That’s another hidden benefit for starting a project like this.”Dave Chisholm underscored Eagle Scout candidate Scott Chisholm’s personal responsibility to the project.“The Eagle Scout candidates have to choose, plan, coordinate and fund their projects,” said the scout master.“This is going to be a big asset, especially with the school being right there,” said Alderman Jim Struckhoff.“We need to encourage the youth of this city, and that includes the Scouts,” said Deeker.Marthasville Scout to Build Outdoor Classroom Project