Kevin Birks has been the long – time maintenance worker for the Swansboro Country Property Owner’s Association (SCPOA), and recently retired. Kevin is also a long – time volunteer for the Mosquito Fire Protection District, Support Group. Ed O’Neill has been voluntary custodian of Bass Lake for over 17 years. His property borders the common area at the lake. At the February 2025 Annual SCPOA meeting, the Board of Directors recognized the significant service and dedication these two gave to our community.
During his many years working with SCPOA, Kevin learned all the skills required to maintain the roads, lakes, runway and the other property associated with common areas. His experience, together with a solid work ethic and a creative vision, eliminated any need for a manager or supervisor. Over the years, Kevin accomplished the goal of making the lakes more user-friendly. At Catfish lake, he maintained the swing set and cleared around the lake so that people can walk around the water so as not to breach an owner’s property. At Twin Ponds, Kevin envisioned a walkway around the lower pond, so he cleared the dam of all the large trees and bushes, then worked to remove the berry bushes that had overgrown the other side of the pond. Once the perimeter was cleared, he constructed a picnic table so people could sit, fish and enjoy the entire area. Kevin’s vision became a reality that only he had foreseen.
At Dyer Lake, Kevin takes pride with the beach area that he built up and maintains. Many residents enjoy this area as evidenced by the groups swimming, boating and fishing. Many of the benches placed around the lake were constructed by Kevin. Finally, at Trout Lake, Kevin cleared the over-growth from the far side of the lake to make a path for people to walk around the lake. Above that, there is a higher path that leads to the dam’s spillway bridge. Kevin built this bridge and added a rail made of rebar for an interesting look.
The SCPOA board dedicated this bridge as “Birks Bridge” to recognize Kevin’s vision and accomplishment. Kevin built more picnic tables and benches at Trout Lake creating a special place in our community. Open spaces abound here with plenty of shade for spending the day fishing, picnicking, walking always welcomes residents to come and enjoy the lake. He and his wife Linda put out benches, a swing for children, and cleared an additional path to the lake through their property for a disabled neighbor to access the lake. Ed raked, burned, dispatched downed limbs and trees, and dug ditches for drainage during the rainy season. He wants the lake to be at its best for everyone. Ed happily talks with folks about the lake’s history, the fish and the funny things that have happened there over the years. The SCPOA board named the trail to the lake as “O’Neill Trail”, and placed a sign at the entrance in appreciation for Ed’s service to our community.
Community Blog 