This Scout Is Installing a Wheelchair Swing to Help Others with Disabilities

Scout Johnathan M. designed wheelchair swing for Eagle Scout project.

Johnathan M., 16, of the Michigan Crossroads Council understands that children who rely on wheelchairs may have a more challenging time at the park during playtime – but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have access to the same fun as other children. With a heart for helping others, Johnathan came up with an Eagle Scout project that would make that idea possible.

The teen is currently raising funds to purchase and install a wheelchair-accessible swing at Marine City Beach in hopes of soon becoming an Eagle Scout. 

“I saw the badge when I was a Cub Scout,” Johnathan shared with Voicenews.com of his father’s Eagle Scout award. “He described it to me, and I wanted to do that.”

The prospective Eagle selected the ADA-compliant swing as his project after discovering social media posts from local residents that described a need for it. Currently, there is no wheelchair-accessible playground equipment in any of the city’s parks.

“I’ve spoken with some citizens of Marine City who are wheelchair bound or have kids who are wheelchair bound,” Johnathan told the city commission at its April 19 meeting. “They said that the beach would be the best.”

The project has since been approved by the city commission, his troop leadership and his local council. The Scout is now raising funds within his local community to make this project a reality in late summer. 

Get the full story on this unique Eagle Scout project by learning more from Voicenews.com.