'Largest-Ever' Hampton Eagle Scout Project to Revamp Fitness

Educators and community members are ecstatic about a proposed six-station circuit training course that a Hampton Eagle Scout candidate is attempting to bring to town as part of the "largest undertaking" a local Eagle Scout leader said he "has ever seen for an Eagle Scout project."

Jason Broad is currently raising money for his project, which will install $16,000 worth of equipment along the Marston School Community Walking Path. Marston School Assistant Principal Dan Mitchell said a local Eagle Scout leader told him Broad's idea is the most-involved project the area has ever seen, and Mitchell said it'll "definitely leave [Broad]'s mark on the school."

"Everyone [has been] in agreement it's a fantastic idea," said Mitchell. "I think it’s really going to enhance the walking path. It's just going to improve it invaluably."

Broad, who said he has a "strong interest" in keeping fit, said he had been brainstorming locations for full-body-workout outdoor fitness stations after seeing them in other communities, and decided Marston School would be an "ideal location" after seeing news reports about the recently-completed walking path.

Raising $16,000 is a high goal, although Broad said he's confident it'll happen in time for the stations to be completed by fall 2013 because of his passion for the project and the overall level of support he's received thus far.

"I am passionate about this because being fit and healthy has been a big part of my life and I wanted to share this others," said Broad. "This would be a great addition to the walking path and it can be used by the everyone in the community free of charge."

Mitchell said the stations will also likely be incorporated into the school's physical education program, which he said will "enhance" those lessons "endlessly" and "add another dimension" to a "great" project.

"I don’t believe that it will not be used," said Mitchell. "It's only going to add good to the overall experience of the walking path while enhancing student experiences here at Marston School as well."

Broad said he has raised 25 percent of his funding goal to date thanks to loads of "positive feedback" and support from local residents and businesses. The Community Oven and Flatbread Pizza have each offered to host fundraiser nights for the project, while "several others" have donated money so far and will be recognized on a sign at the entrance to the stations, he said.

Other fundraising efforts have included an electronic recycling event and helping out at September's Hampton Smuttynose Half Marathon. Broad said he also plans to partner with Fitness Revolution to set a record for the largest exercise class held in New Hampshire and hold a spring yard sale, among other things.

"We are always trying to think of new ways to raise money," said Broad.

One of those ways is getting the community more involved in the project, and Broad said anyone looking for more information about the stations or helping bring them to fruition can contact him at broadlj@comcast.net or 926-7862.