By Jessie Burchette

Salisbury Post

While workmen get started on the new petting barn at Dan Nicholas Park, efforts are under way to build a blacksmith shop at Dunn’s Mountain to honor a longtime Boy Scout leader.

The Rowan Parks and Recreation Commission recently reviewed plans for a blacksmith shop to honor the late Chuck Barringer, a Granite Quarry man who died in November from injuries sustained in a fall from a ladder.

Charles D. “Chuck” Barringer helped more than 50 boys earn the rank of Eagle Scout during his 50 years in the program.

Retired Parks and Recreation Director Jim Foltz told the parks board last month he met with Barringer a few weeks before his death and Barringer wanted to donate his blacksmith equipment.

Under the plan, the shop would be the first historic display at Dunn’s Mountain Nature and & Historic Preserve.

Jack Kepley, a longtime scoutmaster and chairman of the Parks and Recreation Commission, outlined the plans.

Scouts will build the 12-by-13 wood building that will serve as a display area for the tools.

Scouts will solicit contributions of up to $100 per donor.

Parks Director Don Bringle said the project will need final approval from the county.

Dunn’s Mountain, the county’s newest park, is currently open one weekend per month, weather permitting.

Meanwhile, workmen have begun laying out the site for the new Stanback Petting Barn, which will replace the one that burned last March, killing dozens of animals.

C.S. Bradshaw Construction Co. has the contract to build the shell of the structure.

Additional contractors will do plumbing, electrical and related work. Maintenance staff will also do interior work to reduce costs.

Under the current timetable, the barn could be ready for its new occupants by mid-May.

The Parks and Recreation Commission recently welcomed three new board members, Andrew Waters, Randy McCombs and Hayes Smith.

The board also honored three outgoing board members, Keith Yount, Jason Walser and Leda Belk.