Vet Park to be Donned with Eagle's Help

Right from the start, he knew it was something he’d want to do.

And for Newtown resident Ryan Varian, turning a plan into successful action is something that is already coming naturally at a young age.

He may be only 15 years old but Ryan is giving a big gift to the community. On May 21, the Newtown Veterans Park will be dedicated, and part of it will have Ryan's signature on it.

For his work, Ryan is on track to complete his Eagle Scout recognition as part of the Boys Scouts of America.

“It honors all of the brave men and women that defend our country and they all deserve our appreciation,” said Ryan, a sophomore at Council Rock High School North.

Among the features are a two-foot-high brick wall spanning 12 feet in length. Ryan constructed the wall and spelled out the words “Newtown Veterans Park” that can be seen in aluminum block lettering on it.

That wall will be found at the Route 413 entrance of the park, which will be located just behind Newtown Elementary School. The park will also have another entrance off of Wrights Road.

“I'm very excited for the dedication and opening of Newtown Veterans Park. Also, I’m glad that I had the opportunity to complete an Eagle project of such enormity,” Ryan said. “I'm also very thankful for all the support I have received throughout this process. The best part is my opportunity to show our appreciation for our men and women in the armed services.” 

But Ryan had more planned than just the wall. He has also installed a Prisoner-of-War (POW-MIA) flag behind it. At the other entrance, he put in an American flag and a solar-powered light that will make it visible even at night.

The Veterans Park also has a combined six athletic and multi-purpose fields within its boundaries. Ryan decided to continue his honor of the armed forces by installing one flag at each, though these depict the six different branches of the military.

To complete his project, Ryan has been working closely with Newtown American Legion Post 440, particularly member Jim Casey, who originally had the idea for the improvements. The project came with all of the normal requirements. For one, he needed approvals from the Newtown Parks and Recreation Board and the engineering firm Gilmore & Associates.

That, of course, was on top of the okays from the Boy Scout Council for this to be considered Eagle Scout material. Further, he needed money, and a substantial amount of it at that.

Through donations and fundraising, though, Ryan came up with that, too -- to the tune of about $6,000. Ryan also credited Boy Scout Troop 99 and several people who donated money to his cause.

This month marks one year since he began his efforts. Thankfully, however, the end appears to be within sight and he expects no issues in having everything ready for the dedication.

“We still have to complete the wall and do a little landscaping,” he said.

When he’s not busy doing that or being a student, Ryan is also on his school’s track team. He also hopes to work for his father this summer while starting to look around for potential colleges.

“My plans for the near future are to complete my Eagle Project including all the required paper work to achieve my Eagle Rank,” said Ryan.