Girl Scouts propose park enhancements

By Mark Reynolds
Posted 4/10/19

A group of Marlboro Girl Scouts addressed the Town Board to propose some additions they would like to make at the Town Park as part of earning their Silver Awards, the highest award a Girl Scout …

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Girl Scouts propose park enhancements

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A group of Marlboro Girl Scouts addressed the Town Board to propose some additions they would like to make at the Town Park as part of earning their Silver Awards, the highest award a Girl Scout Cadet can achieve.

The Scouts asked for the board’s approval to construct a GaGa ball pit and an entire Caterpillar play structure. On Coach Cliff’s GaGa Ball pits website, GaGa, “is believed to have originated in Israel and slowly has spread across the U.S. over several decades. Ga means “hit’ or “touch” in Hebrew. The rules say the ball must touch the ground two times before it is considered in play, hence the name. The game uses a lightweight bouncy or foam ball played within an enclosure known as the “GaGa Pit.” The object of the game is to hit the ball at or below the opponents’ knees to eliminate them from the pit, with the last one remaining declared the winner.”

The Girl Scouts are planning to build a hexagon shaped pit of about 16 feet in diameter that has one entrance. They will use pressure treated wood that is 8 feet long and 2 x12 in size. Posts will be driven up to 12 inches into the ground to secure the hexagon.

The Caterpillar structure will use “affordable, safe and durable,” recycled tires with about 30 feet in overall length. The tires will be painted various colors “and the structure will be safe, fun and inviting.”

The Scouts said these additions at the park, “will enhance the play for children of all ages. It will help them have more fun and be competitive.”

The Scouts said their games have many health and social benefits, “including improving hand-eye coordination, developing strategic thinking and helping with agility, jumping, striking and dodging skills. It will most definitely have a positive impact on the community and it will increase recreational use of the park for may years to come.”

The Scouts are hoping to complete their project by the end of June so it can be used during summer camp and for families to enjoy. In concluding remarks, the Scouts said if the board approves their ideas, they would like to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony, “and we hope you, Supervisor Lanzetta, would be present at the ceremony.” They also requested a letter from the board after the project is completed to confirm they have finished their project “and your plans to sustain the project after completion.”

The Scouts were able to gather a few sponsors, volunteers, family and friends to help them with the project.

The Town Board unanimously gave their approval to the project, praising the Girl Scouts for a great presentation.

“Now the hard part starts, you have to actually do it; and you will,” Supervisor Lanzetta said. “Thank you very much I appreciate it.”