Berkeley Heights Eagle Scout Candidate Proposes Bocce Ball Court for Peppertown Park

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J. — He came prepared with a digitized design, a materials list, a funding strategy and an answer for nearly every question the council threw at him. Now Jimmy Barter from Boy Scout Troop 68 just needs the green light — and a little community support.The Berkeley Heights teenager presented his Eagle Scout project proposal to the Township Council at Tuesday night's Conference session, outlining plans to build a bocce ball court in the Peppertown Park between the two main walkways, closer to the train tracks.The project, it turns out, has deeper roots in the community than anyone may have expected."When we designed the Peppertown Park, we had a bocce ball court in there to pay homage to Berkeley Heights and the history of Berkeley Heights," said Business Administator Liza Viana. "That's what people who lived here always used to do in the park. But then we took it out to keep costs lower — and then Jimmy came up with this idea. We would so much rather have something that one of our Eagle Scouts built there."The DesignBarter's plan calls for pressure-treated railroad ties in 6-by-6 sizing cut to 16-foot lengths, stacked two high to create a 12-inch border, with one inch set below ground for stability. Beneath the synthetic turf surface will be layers of crushed stone, gravel and a weed barrier to create a level, compact and secure base.He chose synthetic turf over decomposed granite for practical reasons."Animals are less likely to use it as a litter box," Barter explained, adding that it also requires less maintenance over time and holds up better in heavy storms than gravel or rock that can be blown or washed away.A digitized design was prepared by Jim Ramentol of GRA Architects and distributed to council members ahead of the meeting.Funding the ProjectBarter estimated total costs at approximately $6,850, budgeting $7,000 to give himself some cushion. His fundraising plan is multi-pronged — local business sponsorships recognized on a plaque attached to the court, outreach to community organizations, and requests for material donations or equipment loans from supply and turf companies.He also needs to borrow a plate compactor — a piece of machinery required to properly compact the base layers — and is already identifying who might lend one.The council was receptive. Two members donated $50 on the spot. Another suggested setting up a donation jar at the Mount Carmel fireworks on July 16. TimelineBarter said he hopes to complete the court before the end of summer, though he acknowledged that may be ambitious depending on how quickly fundraising comes together. He estimates two months to gather funds and materials, followed by roughly six weeks of construction, with volunteers from his Boy Scout troop helping on multiple build days.One potential timing conflict — drainage and grading work currently underway at the park — is expected to be resolved within the next week or two. The township will notify Barter when the site is clear.He has also submitted the required permit form to the building department and is awaiting a response. The council confirmed no building permit is needed for the project itself."Once you have the funds, it would be great if you could just come before us again and say, I have the funds and I'm ready to go," a council member told him.Barter agreed — and did not seem fazed by the road ahead."I'm going to give some leverage and say it'll take me two months to gather all the funds," he said, “and after that, about a month and a half to complete.”