Scout completes playground renovation

MILFORD —It has been 13 years in the making, and for soon-to-be Eagle Scout Preston McBride of Dingmans Ferry, couldn’t have been a better experience. McBride fulfilled his last requirement for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout by completing a project to refurbish and expand a playground at Country Ark Farm in Milford. He picked the location for his project because he sees it as an excellent way to give back to the local community. Donna Ciannitto, owner of the non-profit organization, commented that they are very grateful and thrilled to receive help from McBride and his team of eight workers. Country Ark Farm, which can be reached on the web at countryarkfarm.com, provides recreational therapy for physically and mentally challenged children. McBride’s project will enhance the recreation of the farm, which attracts close to a thousand children a season. Among the additions will be a tire swing and balancing beam. Other parts of the playground such as the swing set and sandbox were renovated. Many local businesses, including Lowe’s, Home Depot, Luhrs, Independence True Value, McDonalds, and Price Chopper donated over $600 worth of supplies to the project. McBride, who will be attending Dartmouth University this fall, will be the first one in his district to fulfill his Eagle Scout requirements through Venturing Crew rather than Boys Scouts.