SEARS ISLAND — After years of planning, Sears Island finally has a stairway leading to the western beach, according to Friends of Sears Island, in a news release. The traditionally used path to the beach had become eroded and was unsafe.

“Friends of Sears Island was delighted when Matthew Southard of Boy Scout Troop 34 chose to design and build the much-needed stairs for his Eagle Scout service project,” said Friends.

Southard built the platform and structure for the treads over the course of the winter in his garage. The stairs were installed by Southard, his scoutmaster Joe Dargon, and a few volunteers on July 10.

“The stairway greatly improves access to the beach for public recreation,” said Friends. “Many visitors to the island have already told the FOSI trail maintenance crew how much they appreciate the new stairs.”

According to the release, Friends of Sears Island would like to thank Southard, Dargon, and all the volunteers who helped make the stairway a reality, Viking Lumber in Belfast for generously donating the materials for the project, and the Maine Department of Transportation.

Sears Island is located on Sears Island Road off Route 1 just east of Searsport. To learn more about Friends of Sears Island check out www.friendsofsearsisland.org or facebook.com/friendsofsearsisland