Heritage Park Playground
Riley Betita,Grantee
A Community Collaboration
My name is Riley Betita and I am a 17 year old Boy Scout with Troop 413. To obtain the highest rank in Scouting, the rank of Eagle, one must perform a project for the benefit of the community.
I really wanted to come up with something for kids, like a small play area, in the Village of Arroyo Grande because there wasn’t anything in particular when I was growing up.
I first approached our City with my thought and they did tell me it wouldn’t be easy, but they listened and suggested I come back with some measurements, costs and renderings. I found a wonderful contact through a playground company and after listening to my idea she immediately told me “You can do this!” and always supported and believed in me throughout the whole process. After months of meetings, revisions, presentations, gathering input and finding a location, a plan was set for a play structure in a theme to honor the farming history of our town – a tractor and roosters. The City found some designated and available funds, and then an architect began the drawings. A company donated their concrete and base and delivery, a contractor helped me make a game plan and materials list and all the site prep. A local hardware store donated the materials. Then another contractor, a surveyor, an engineer helped…even pizza companies contributed lunches on work days. The boy scouts and families and friends showed up to do site work and the City staff was always enthusiastic and helpful.
My mom remembered an article she read in the newspaper about Do Good Grants. After the approval and the ball started rolling, I contacted Do Good Grants to see if they might be willing to help this project somehow. She was excited about what had happened so far. Ms. Parry read through my story and reviewed the plans. The architect had added space for possible benches to be added in the future, but at the moment I didn’t have the means or ability to take that on. Ms. Parry got in touch with the City to get some details and decided to have a bench placed at the play area for the public to be able to sit and enjoy, and also be reminded of Doing Good!
She was so supportive and proud of what I had done and wanted to inspire others, so the bench at the playground is icing on the cake. It shows that one idea can gain momentum and bring people together.The community jumped on board and helped make this little idea a dream come true. Almost every time I go by the park I see families there and kids playing. I am now an Eagle Scout and know I can make a difference. I’m thankful to Do Good Grants for their support and involvement and I hope others are inspired to do good as well.
