Boy Scout aims to refurbish horseshoe pits

Havre Boy Scout Aarron Thompson has one more big project before making Eagle rank - refurbishing horseshoe pits in North Havre.

Aarron, 15, said he was trying to think of a project that would catapult him up in rank.

"I was having trouble coming up with an idea," he said. "My unit leader brought the idea to me. I said, 'This is a great idea.'"

Aarron said he is not an avid horseshoe player but is excited about the project and is glad he's not the only one that benefits after the project's completion.

John and Teresa Roberts own the horseshoe pits, which are open for use by the public, and Aarron said they are ecstatic about the prospect of getting a grounds makeover.

Aarron and his mentor, his grandfather Ron Fanning, who will be helping him, have two levels of renovation planned.

In the first level, all the wooden backstops and the sand in the pits will be replaced. The new backstops will also get new mud flaps in the center and new black plastic piping on the backstop edges. The piped edges allows for horseshoe players to hang the horseshoes on them. The hollow metal pipes that the backstop secures onto will be painted and get new bolts. Another repair will be angling the stakes to regulation, setting every one of them at equal heights.

If resources abound, Aarron wants to replace the American flag that flies atop the pole in the yard.

The sides are frayed and the colors are fading, he said.

Aarron said he would also like to bring in more plastic benches, come up with an official name for the horseshoe pits and make a sign displaying said official name. Another possible change in the maybe category would be adding two more sets of pits.

A fundraising horseshoe tournament is scheduled for Sept. 10 at the pits. The cost will be $40 per team and participants will be paired randomly. "Walking tacos" will be available for $5 and the top six places will receive cash payouts.

Aarron said he wants to finish the project by May at the latest, adding that Mother Nature will undoubtedly play a role. If the weather cooperates and takes it easy, the project might be completed earlier, he said.