A Heartfelt Project: Woodbury Teen’s Girl Scout Initiative Inspired by Father’s Heart Attack
Fourteen-year-old Patty Barton, a dedicated Girl Scout since kindergarten, has always been driven to make a positive impact in her community. However, it wasn’t until her father, Zach Barton, suffered a heart attack in November 2024 that she found the inspiration for her Silver Award project. The experience not only brought her closer to her father but also sparked a desire to help others in her community.
Zach Barton, 48, had always been healthy, but a genetic disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia led to his heart attack. The family of six was shocked, and Patty’s priorities shifted as she navigated this challenging time. Her father’s hospital stay and subsequent recovery process were a wake-up call, making her realize the importance of appreciating every moment with her loved ones.
A Newfound Appreciation for Life and Family
Patty’s relationship with her parents, particularly her father, underwent a significant transformation after the heart attack. She began to cherish their time together and appreciate the value of family. As she worked on her Silver Award project, she found a sense of purpose and dedication. The project, a Dero Fixit Bike Repair Station installed in Powers Lake Park near their Woodbury home, was a testament to her love and concern for her father’s health and well-being.
The idea for the Fixit station came to Patty after she overheard her father’s cardiologist recommend a low-impact sport, such as biking, to aid in his recovery. She recalled the fond memories of biking with her family during the early years of the COVID pandemic and decided to create a resource that would help others in her community. The repair station, which includes various tools for basic bike repairs and maintenance, has become a valuable asset for local residents.
Danny Barton fills his bike tire with air, using his older sister Patty Barton’s Girl Scout Silver Award project, the Fix It Bike Station, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2025 at Powers Lake in Woodbury. From left, Allie Barton, Danny Barton, Zach Barton and Patty Barton. (Talia McWright/Pioneer Press)
A Community Resource with a Personal Touch
The Fixit station, which Patty funded using her Girl Scout cookie sales, has become a valuable resource for the community. The station itself cost $2,200, and the city covered the expenses for the concrete pad and installation. Patty’s project has not only helped her father but also provided a convenient and essential service for local bikers. The station includes a QR code that provides instructions on how to use the tools and a map of other Fixit stations in the state.
Patty’s initiative has received positive feedback from the community, with one resident expressing gratitude for the station on Facebook. The post highlighted the impact of Patty’s project, demonstrating that it has made a difference in the lives of those around her. As she prepares to receive her Silver Award in the spring, Patty’s dedication to her community and her family serves as a shining example of the positive influence that young people can have.
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