By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

During First Fridays this past summer, Watson Rice, Life Scout in Troop 532, has been on hand raising monies for his Eagle Scout Project, the Joe Tucker Park Health & Wellness Trail.

His goal is an installation of Fit-Trail® systems – self-guided and self-paced exercise stations that comfortably accommodate one person or groups of people. These provide a well-balanced physical fitness routine for walkers or joggers and users of all ages.

His goal of $10,000 was almost half reached by August, with $4,885.

“One hundred percent of donated funds will be used to purchase the Fit-Trail® system and building materials needed for the 10 workout stations,” Rice notes. “An Eagle Scout Project is the opportunity to demonstrate leadership of others while performing a project for the benefit of the community.”

Troop 532 is a boy-led troop utilizing the Patrol Method, the Scout Law and Oath, and leadership development. David Rice, Watson’s father, has for many years been involved steering Troop 532. As a Life Scout, he has filled several assistant leader roles since Watson started Boy Scouts in the first grade.

David is now assistant scout leader for Troop 532 and crew advisor for Crew 532 in Helena.

The sponsorship levels include $2,250 Eagle (one available), $1,500 Life Level (one available), $1,250 Star Level (one available), $1,000 First Class Level (one available), $370 Tenderfoot Level (eight still available).

“I would like to thank major local donors,” Rice said.

These include Cahaba Dental Arts, Total Plumbing, Decoding Dyslexia AL and Amerex.

Others include Mayor Mark Hall, Council Member Hal Woodman, Helena First Friday and Knights of Columbus.

Donations in any amount are welcomed and beneficial to the success of the project. You may submit by check made out to Boy Scout Troop 532 with Rice Eagle Scout Project in the memo area. Mail to: Troop 532, 690 Rosebury Road, Helena, AL 35080.

Facebook.com/RiceEagleScoutProject