By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
A fitness-minded Boy Scout from Troop 1776 is looking to bring some more physical activity to the people of Hillsborough through the construction of a number of workout stations at a local public park.
Lucas Romano, 14, is looking to raise more than $20,000 for his Eagle Scout project, which will bring upwards of 18 different workout stations along the approximately mile-long trail that surrounds Woodfield Park, located on South Branch Road.
According to the teen, who competes on the Hillsborough High School cross-country team, some of the planned activities include a stretching station at the beginning of the trail, various strength training areas like pull-up bars, cardiovascular workout sections including an area for hurdle jumping and sections devoted to balance and movement.
“The project is to get more fitness going, rather than just running,” Lucas said.
Though completion of the project could help him earn the rank of Eagle Scout, Lucas said it also helps other hopefuls, since some of the requirements to earn the Tenderfoot Scout rank include being able to run a mile and pass various physical tests.
“Scouting has been a big part of my life and I want to use that to be able to give back to my community in several ways,” he said.
Having been recently diagnosed with diabetes, Lucas said the project also has a very personal connection to his life.
“When I was diagnosed, I thought I couldn’t really do any physical activity again, so this is also for people who may have problems and to teach them that they can still go out and be physically active, too,” Lucas said.
In order to ensure that the planned activities along the path will actually help people get in shape and improve their health, Lucas said he plans on meeting with local health and fitness experts, such as Impact Gym owner Hillarie Z. Scannelli, when plotting out where every station is placed.
“I want to discuss the project with Ms. Hillarie and see what she wanted to do because she works with nutrition and she could help me with whatever fitness stuff they can provide,” he said.
Lucas said he was also planning to reach out to area gyms and local businesses to be potential sponsors and for fundraising support. An average sponsorship of $600 per workout station would also result in the installation of a commemorative plaque in honor of that sponsor.
Along with business and sponsor support, Lucas said he already has a number of fundraising efforts that will run until he hopes to begin construction next summer. Some of those ideas include a gift card fundraiser, where people purchase gift cards from him and he gets a portion of the money. He said he also plans to use other traditional fundraising methods, if weather permits.
One way that he’s hoping to reach his fundraising goal is through the use of the crowd-sourcing website, GoFundMe.
“It costs a lot of money to do this project,” he said. “It’s going to cost around $20,000 to get everything going, so right now I’m trying to get the money first and then move on to the next phase.”
Anyone looking to contribute to Lucas’ Eagle Scout project can do so by visiting www.gofund.me/2r2qvhpw.
If funded and completed, the sporty teenager hopes his project will bring a healthier, more active lifestyle to the community.
“Many families in Hillsborough already use Woodfield Park as a walking trail and for various sports,” he said. “This outdoor fitness trail would build on the walking trail to provide other fitness opportunities.”
