ONTARIO — Marshall Park visitors could soon have a new way to exercise outdoors, thanks to the efforts of a determined Eagle Scout in the making.
Thatcher Samuels, 17, presented a proposal Wednesday for a set of parallel bars and pull-up bars to the Ontario parks committee.
“What I decided on was a 10 by 10-foot concrete pad for the pull-up bars and 7-feet by 15-feet mulch area for the parallel bars,” he said.
Samuels previously met with Ontario Mayor Kris Knapp, parks supervisor Cory Cardwell and Service-Safety director Adam Gongwer.
“The parks director and I were talking about fine wood mulch versus rubberized mulch also,” Samuels said. “Rubberized mulch is nearly three times the price, so it’s not off the table, but for price reasons, I’m proposing fine wood mulch.”
Samuels’ suggestion for pull-up bars included a structure that would support bar heights from 4.5-feet to 7-feet tall.
“Each of the bars are four feet wide,” he said. “Wheelchairs are typically two to three feet wide according to my research, so these will be ADA accessible.”
The parks committee approved the project, but will be in touch with Cardwell and Samuels about a specific location within the park.
Committee chair Troy Sapp noted Samuels’ project shouldn’t cost the city any money.
“Mayor Knapp will write a letter so he can take it to his Eagle Scout mentor to get it approved and we’ll be underway,” he said.
Council considering proposal for baseball fields or wooded trail
Kenn Spencer, Ontario Youth Sports director and the city’s recreation director, said his only concern about constructing the fitness station near baseball fields would be misuse by children.
“It’s not what it would be intended for, but that will attract kids that want to treat it like a jungle gym, so that would cause more wear and tear,” Spencer said.
“I think, especially in the summer, there’s as many people on the wooded walking path and I know we already have some stuff set up there for frisbee golf, so that could be another consideration, too.”
Spencer said he trusts Cardwell’s opinion for where to construct the fitness station.
“I love the idea, I’m already thinking of a grand opening with a pull-up contest that Thatcher is there judging,” Spencer said.
Samuels said he estimated the cost of the project, which he will fundraise and gather donations for, to be about $2,300. He also said he liked the idea of a signpost suggesting different workouts.
“We could maybe commemorate the city and Boy Scout Troop working together,” Samuels said. “I don’t have that price down, but I’m thinking maybe $100.”
According to the Boy Scouts of America website, to earn the honor of Eagle Scout, a Scout must receive 21 badges — including 14 merit badges — and complete a service project in the community. All the paperwork for it has to be complete before the Scout turns 18.
Samuels, a senior at Ontario High School, will turn 18 on May 4.
“So, at the absolute latest, I would need to be done by May 3,” he said. “But I’m not too worried. As long as I get all the permits, me and my troop (#170) will spend every weekend working on this.”
Council President Eddie Gallo asked Samuels to deliver an update to council members and his classmates at a May 12 council meeting in Ontario High School.
“You’ll be done by that point and I’d love to see pictures of the process,” Gallo said. “Congrats on getting this far already, we’re excited.”