March 03, 2025

Eagle Scout project brings gaga ball to Newton

By Justin Jagler

Newton Eagle Scout Gage Linahon is pictured inside his scout project at Aurora Park. The octagon-shaped structure is a gaga ball pit, which Linahon raised funds for and helped build. (Submitted Photo)

The word “gaga” might bring to mind a pop singer, but it also identifies a new piece of playground equipment at Newton’s Aurora Park.

Thanks to an Eagle Scout project by Gage Linahon, the park now has a gaga ball pit. Linahon spent the last year raising funds for the pit after getting the project OK’d by the city park board.

Gaga ball is kind of like dodgeball. Players hit the ball at each other, and if a player is struck by the ball at the knee or below, they must leave the pit. The last person remaining in the pit is the winner.

Linahon became a fan of the game at summer camp for Boy Scouts, where he played it with members of his troop. He wanted to bring the fun to Newton, so he embarked on a fundraising mission.

The Eagle Scout and Newton native raised more than $2,500 for the project with the help of generous area residents and businesses.

Once Linahon worked with park and city administrators to determine the location and gathered the necessary funds, he purchased a gaga ball pit building kit. He and a few other members of Newton Boy Scout Troop 354 built the pit on site at Aurora Park earlier this month.

The octagon-shaped structure is made of durable composite materials, and the rules of the game are posted on a sign attached to the wall of the pit. It is located just east of the playground. Park-goers will have to bring their own ball if they want to play.

For a project to be recognized as an Eagle Scout project, Linahon said, it must benefit a school or community and not be for profit.

“I thought this was a pretty good project because everyone in the community can use it from all ages, and it’s just a good fit for that park,” Linahon said.

The vast majority of Boy Scouts never reach the Eagle Scout rank. Linahon said it’s a big accomplishment that he will have with him the rest of his life.

Donors to the project were Ina Heideman, Brian and Nicki Shores, Mark and Emily Allen, Jim and Sherri Long, Cline Tool, Product Development Partners, Eye Care Center of Newton, Brad and Mary Manatt, Jane Ann Cotton, Loucks and Buren Orthodontics, Medicap Pharmacy, Ken and Jane Odland, Guy and Deana Gast, Linahon CAD Solutions and Sign Pro.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com