October 31, 2024 – The Macon County Conservation District has announced the completion of an impressive, handcrafted timber frame pavilion at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Located at the group camp site, the structure, called a “King Post Pavilion,” is a testament to the Conservation District’s commitment to sustainability and in-house craftsmanship.
The new pavilion was designed and built by District staff, led by Friends Creek Site Superintendent Andy Murphy and Site Technician Ethan Spain. The pavilion was constructed using timbers from white pine trees that originally stood at Sand Creek Conservation Area. A non-native tree, they were cut down as part of a different project and saved to be used for this and other projects at District sites. All of the wood was milled on-site with our sawmill, and construction was done entirely by the District’s Operations team, with only minor external materials like a metal roof and pegs sourced from outside.
Murphy, who led the project, attended a timber framing class in Nashville, Tennessee to learn new techniques. With over 26 years of woodworking experience, he oversaw the pavilion’s construction from concept to completion. Each of the pavilion’s “bents,” or main structural supports, weighs approximately 1,800 pounds and was installed with the help of heavy machinery and team coordination.
“This project was made possible by the hard work and dedication of the entire Operations team,” says Murphy. “I couldn’t have done this project without them and Ethan. He was my right-hand man through the whole project.”
Construction on the pavilion began in late May and was completed in October. Designed with a careful eye for craftsmanship and sustainability, the project cost under $4,000, thanks in part to the District’s ability to source and mill its own timber.
