New Gaga Ball Pit Built By Boy Scout For Veteran's Park In Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, NJ — A new Gaga ball pit was unveiled at Veteran's Park in Montgomery on Thursday, May 18.

The pit was built by Jai Narula, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 850 Boy Scouts. Jai built the Gaga ball pit as his Eagle project, a culmination of more than 100 hours of planning and execution.

To attain the Eagle rank, a Scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, fulfill leadership roles and display outdoor skills, demonstrate by example the Scout Oath and Law, and complete a comprehensive service project in the community.

Mayor Devra Keenan and Deputy Mayor Neena Singh cut the ribbon and gave some opening remarks, followed by Mike Maloney of Montgomery Veterans Association, John Groeger of Montgomery Recreation, and Scoutmaster Prashant Mascarenhas.

When asked what inspired him to build the gaga ball pit, Jai answered, "During Covid, we were all stuck inside so much, that I really wanted to provide a way to bring the community together and get kids outside more. Whenever I have gone to Boy Scout camp, everyone really loved playing gaga ball and looked forward to it. It's a great way to get fresh air and get exercise."

Maloney then presented Jai with a Key to Montgomery and thanked him for his service to the community as a Boy Scout for more than a decade and for placing the gaga ball pit in Veteran's Park specifically where he hopes it will draw more visitors to the Veteran's Memorial and 9-11 Memorial.

Jai is a Senior at Montgomery High School and will be attending The College of New Jersey's School of Engineering in the fall.