During Joe Shuttleworth’s long tenure with Bridgeport Parks and Recreation, he has witnessed many groups assist with projects at city facilities. One of the groups that have approached the city multiple times is the Boy Scouts.

 

“We’ve done many projects with Scouts, usually those seeking to earn their Eagle Scout status,” said Shuttleworth. “When it happens, we just don’t sign off. The project needs to be one safe that also doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, typically the products used in the projects are commercial grade.”

 

Shuttleworth said the exercise equipment and tree identification project with plaques at Bridgeport City Park are Eagle Scout projects. The trash can project at the Lakes and the flag poles at the Bridgeport Recreation Complex are Eagle Scout projects, as is lacrosse field work at City Park.

 

“There are plenty, so it is not unusual,” said Shuttleworth.

 

This year, however, it was an unusual one. Not because it was a project that required hoops to be done, but rather who was presenting it.

 

Joe Shuttleworth, along with City Manager Randy Wetmore, had to sign off on a project by Shuttleworth’s youngest son Matthew.

 

“Initially, there was no project for the city. He started a different project with a lot of fundraising about the time COVID hit so it was difficult to go out and meet with the civic groups where you typically raise those dollars,” said Shuttleworth. “It made things difficult to get a project to be considered for Eagle Scout status.”

 

Then, an idea hit Matthew Shuttleworth. As it turned out, the project is something not only was Matthew and Joe Shuttleworth aware of, but it was something that was actually requested in the city’s park system by the Bridgeport Middle School Wildlife group through Bridgeport Police PRO Jamie Hamrick.

 

Matthew Shuttleworth wanted to install a GaGa Ball Pit at Bridgeport’s Compton Park. And from there, things just moved ahead with something he has known about for a few years.

 

“My first encounter with GaGa Ball was at Boy Scout summer camp. People were playing it so much it was tough to get everyone cleaned up afterward to be where they were supposed to be because they were so buy playing the game,” said Matthew. “It was that much fun, and it seemed like something that could be enjoyed here.”

 

What is it?

 

“It’s really popular with 4-H and scouting groups,” said Matthew’s father. “It’s a large octagon, wooden-framed enclosure that is pretty much a every person for themselves dodgeball game. You can get 25 kids in there. It’s high energy and a lot of fun.”

 

A good idea, sure, but not a slam dunk. The reason being is that Eagle Scout projects require multiple levels of approval. The first being approval from the city, which Joe Shuttleworth needed from a higher source.

 

“I met with (City Manager) Randy Wetmore, along with Matthew who explained it to him,” said Joe. “After the okay was given, it had to be submitted through the local scouting troop and council for approval.”

 

Eventually, the project by the long-time member of Boy Scout Troop 549 was granted. That came after creating a budget, showing the materials needed, explaining the safety of the project, the tools needed for it to be done, and a path for completion.

 

“After that, you have to execute the plan and get volunteers to come help,” said Shuttleworth. “Matthew did some fundraising, and the city donated some equipment and some supplies such as gravel for the base. Once we had that, the project got started.”

 

With volunteers on board, Matthew Shuttleworth began the project. Sod was removed, the structure was built, and the gravel base put in.

 

“I was very pleased with how it turned out when it was finished. Along the way, everyone was able to get exercise and have some fun,” said Matthew. “The best part was after we finished kids immediately asked if they could play. That made me feel good to know it already had an impact.”

 

Joe Shuttleworth said it is a nice addition to the park system. He said with the Harrison County Parks having its Summer Playground Program there, he anticipates it being the perfect fit for group functions.

 

“If everything works out, this will earn Matthew status as an Eagle Scout,” said Joe.

 

The 17-year-old junior at South Harrison High School has already made things work out for the City of Bridgeport. Shuttleworth said the project being done primarily by volunteer manpower and donated funds and materials saves the city more than $2,000.

 

“It was fun, and I was able to assume a leadership position,” said Matthew, who has been scouting for nearly a decade. “It was nice to see everyone come together to build this for the community and anyone who uses the park.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Matthew Shuttleworth in the finished project, while he's shown in the bottom photo working with one of several volunteers he acquired. In the middle photo, additional volunteers work toward completing the new piece of playground equipment. The rules of the game are shown below this Editor's Note.