NORTH SYRACUSE — Kids visiting Lonergan Park in North Syracuse can now go gaga thanks to Clayton Lukowski. The member of Scouts BSA Troop 157 built a gaga ball pit for his Eagle Scout project.
Eagle Scout is the highest award in Scouts BSA. Between 4% and 7% of scouts make it this far, and more than 2.25 million scouts have achieved the rank of since 1912.
Gaga is a “kinder, gentler version of dodgeball,” according to GagaCenter.com. The game, said to have originated in Israel and brought to Jewish summer camps in the United States, is played with a foam ball in an octagonal pit. Lukowski, who will enter ninth grade this fall, learned about the game through Scouts and the YMCA.
“My Eagle mentor and my parents and I brainstormed a bunch of ideas. I liked this one because I play gaga a lot,” he told the Star-Review. “It’s a competitive game and it’s just really fun.”
Lukowski approached Village of North Syracuse Parks and Recreation Director Tony Burkinshaw about the idea.
“He was excited for the project,” Lukowski said.
In the spring and early summer, Troop 157 rolled out a fundraising campaign for the gaga pit that included a video asking for donations as well as a bottle and can drive. Full Boar Craft Brewery and Tap Room held a few fundraising nights where bartenders donated their tips.
Lukowski even received some help from the family after whom Lonergan Park is named. Luke Lonergan, CEO of Empire Crane, came across Lukowski’s video on social media and made a donation toward the gaga pit. The park is dedicated to Luke’s grandfather, Dr. Francis J. Lonergan.
Troop 157 gathered at the park July 9 to put the pit together. Lukowski said Burkinshaw closed the park so the roughly 20 volunteers could work.
Mayor Gary Butterfield and the village board of trustees recognized Lukowski at their July 28 meeting.
“The gaga pit is a big hit with the summer camp kids,” Deputy Mayor Pat Gustafson said in a comment on the North Syracuse Parks Facebook page.
“I’d like for the kids that play to like gaga like I do and to give the community an opportunity to go outside,” Lukowski said.
Lukowski offered advice to other Eagle Scout candidates.
“Start getting the Eagle required merit badges as soon as they can because [it’s] a tough process to get them,” he said. “If you wait, you’ll be super stressed.”
Lonergan Park is located at 524 S. Main St. in the village of North Syracuse. In addition to the gaga pit, check out the Summer Concert Series at 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 24 or the Concrete Convoy Jeep Club Cruise-Ins from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 26. Visit facebook.com/NSYRPNR for more information.
