COVINGTON, Ga. - Eagle Scout Candidate Harrison Kirkham proposed a splash park to the Newton County Recreation Commission and received unanimous support to bring a free, low-risk, all-inclusive water feature to the area for the Summer of 2018.

Kirkham began his scouting career at age eight as a Cub Scout and has never looked back. He currently serves as Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 93 charted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With over 50 merit badges on his sash, national youth leadership training under his belt, and destination trips to Philmont Scout Ranch and Training Center and Florida Sea Base, Harrison felt inspired to make a lasting impact with his Eagle Scout Project.

“I wanted to do something that would fill a need and be possible to accomplish. I saw a lack of fun water recreation in the area,” Kirkham said. 

With only one public pool in the county, a splash park seemed like the perfect idea.

“The best part of this idea is that it will be free to the public and include youth of all abilities to participate," Kirkham said.  

Kirkham spent months preparing the information, its associated costs, and an implementation plan to make it happen.

“We are very excited to be working with Harrison on his plans to build a splash pad here at Turner Lake Park," Deputy Director, Dwayne Mask said. "This will be a great asset to our community. Harrison is a great young man who wants to give back to his community and we are looking forward to watching and helping him succeed on this very big project.”

Kirkham, who attends Eastside High School and the NCCA STEM, will be leading a fundraising initiative to make the splash park a reality. His projected plans include raising $250,000 to cover the costs of the splash pad, landscaping, and a pavilion for the families of Newton County to enjoy. Because earning the Eagle Scout Award requires leading others, Kirkham's project goes beyond fundraising as will be demonstrated in many ways in the coming months.

To help him achieve this award and enhance Newton County recreation, Kirkham is seeking the community’s help in raising monies for this project. To donate, please send contributions to: Newton Federal Bank, Attn: NCRC Splash Park, 8258 Hwy 278, Covington, GA 30014 or paypal.me/NewtonCoSplashPark.  

Find more information on Facebook at “Newton County Splash Park."