Collier Eagle Scout candidate requests to build gaga ball pit at township park

An Eagle Scout candidate from Collier wants to build a gaga ball pit at a township park.

“There’s no pit anywhere around here, so I need to build one so I can go down and play — or so other people can go play,” said Mark Humbert, chuckling.

Humbert, 17, has been a part of the Boy Scouts of America since he was in the second grade. He is working toward becoming the coveted Eagle Scout for Troop 860 in the Frontier District of Laurel Highlands Council.

Gaga ball is a variant of dodge ball and is played within a pit with eight short walls. Humbert’s will be made of 2-foot plastic walls. The floor will be a pour-in-place rubber surface, the kind used at some playgrounds. He hopes the pit will be about 10 to 12 feet in diameter and able to accommodate 10 people.

Humbert presented his idea to Collier commissioners during their Sept. 28 meeting. He said he wanted to place the ball pit at Webb Park, where the metal slide once was.

After figuring out what gaga ball is, the commissioners were concerned with the safety of bystanders. Some suggested that Humbert consider another park, where there is more open space, so the ball wouldn’t accidentally hit others.

Humbert said he could move it to Kelly Park.

The Chartiers Valley High School senior said the project will cost him about $2,000, a sum he hopes to raise through various fundraisers and donations. He hopes to start construction before cold weather rolls in. But if he can’t get it built before winter, he’ll wait until spring, he said.

Humbert said he first played the Israeli game during summer camp.

“I’d go down (to the gaga ball pit) every day and just play for hours,” he said. And when he came home, he noticed the lack of anywhere to play the game he’d fallen in love with. “It’s so unpopular, but it’s so fun.”

Collier commissioners were supportive of Humbert’s idea but want to make sure the ball pit is in a safe location. Manager Kyle Thauvette said he will work with Humbert on its planning.