Eagle Scout Eli Currington wanted to add a unique feature to Ben Hawes Park, so he and his fellow Boy Scouts built a gaga ball pit that was unveiled Thursday afternoon.
One of Currington’s tasks as an Eagle Scout is to build or create something in the community that will last at least 10 years. When he came to Ben Hawes, he thought the park could use another recreational feature.
“I wanted to help out the community and bring more opportunities for kids to come out to Ben Hawes and have a little bit of fun,” Currington said.
Currington said he was introduced to gaga ball through church and Boy Scout camps during the summer. Much like other players, he said it’s always been a blast and an easy way to get competition going.
The game is played in an eight-sided “pit” with a short wall, and it’s a mix of dodgeball and handball. The game combines dodging, striking, running, and jumping, with the objective of being the last person standing. Players hit the ball at each other with their hands, and are eliminated if the ball strikes them on or below the knee.
To complete the project, Currington had to lead a group of younger scouts and could not help build it himself. Not only did he get experience as a leader, but he also gave the scouts experience serving and contributing to the community.
Since Currington couldn’t physically help build, he instead learned how to navigate filing paperwork and all the behind-the-scenes aspects of accomplishing a project.
Currington opted to make this pit more accessible for all players after noticing that one of his fellow scouts had difficulty entering it.
“We added a gate to help people get in and out. We have a Scout who isn’t as able to cross over the wall, so we wanted to be sure everybody has a chance at playing,” Currington said.
The pit is now open for players during park hours.
Ben Hawes Park has been undergoing renovations since last fall when the Parks Department installed a new playground. Currently, a pickleball facility is under construction as part of a partnership with the River City Pickleball Club.
