Playground Build Helps Orono Youth Gain Eagle Scout Status

A scout since kindergarten, Zac Hofkes is closing in on scouting’s highest level, the Eagle Scout. While doing volunteer work with his dad at Boulevard Apartments, IOCP’s latest affordable housing development project in Wayzata, Zac learned IOCP wanted to put in a playground behind the apartments.

“I offered to coordinate the effort and install the playground,” said Zac, a 15-year-old sophomore at Orono High School. The playground build fulfills the service project component to becoming an Eagle Scout.

Zac coordinated all aspects of the project. He researched companies that make playgrounds and negotiated a special discount with Crown of Minnesota. He got donations, including funds from Holy Name of Jesus, his church, which has been heavily involved in the overall renovation of the 6 units.

Zac also helped customize the playground to meet IOCP’s needs. In order to plan and recruit for volunteers, he created a workflow for all stages of installation. Now he is in the final stages of recruiting volunteers for July 29-31, when he plans to assemble and install the playground.

With more than 200 hours already logged for the project, Zac has proven himself an exceptional, committed volunteer. Stop by on Thursday, Aug. 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m., to tour the apartments and see the playground that Zac and friends built.