Scouts assemble pair of wheelchair-ready tables
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer

ANDREW MILLER staff Boy Scout Michael Bauer (r) decided to build two wheelchair-accessible picnic tables for Babbage and Sabella parks in North Brunswick as part of his Eagle Scout project because he saw a need to accommodate people with disabilities outdoors.

NORTH BRUNSWICK - Construction was no picnic, but Michael Bauer led a group of six of his fellow Boy Scouts in building wheelchair-accessible tables to be located at Babbage and Sabella parks.

On Saturday, the 17-year-old led his team in assembling two 200-pound picnic tables in honor of his grandfather, who used to help build wheelchair-accessible phone booths, and his aunt, who is currently using a wheelchair, in an attempt to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.

"I felt very proud that he looked at me with high respect after that," Bauer said of his grandfather, who saw the tables upon their completion.

To begin his project, the high school junior visited the parks in town, testing the benches with a wheelchair, noticing that people with disabilities would have a difficult time sitting at the tables. With the approval of department director Lou Ann Benson, Bauer purchased table-making kits made from recyclable plastic milk cartons in order to ensure durability and avoid splintering while helping the environment, a goal Bauer has had since he joined the Cub Scouts in the second grade.

"The one thing I loved about these tables is that they're completely recyclable so they have a 50-year warranty and they are ADA-approved [Americans with Disabilities Act], so these tables have been tested for wheelchair use," he said.

The tables came in three separate parts - the table and the two side bars. Each one took about two hours to assemble, with some complications with holes not lining up correctly and nuts and bolts not fitting together properly. However, the boys continued to work despite the rain and were able not only to complete the structures but to clean up the park for two hours afterward as well.

"I've learned that people can help the environment in different ways. As a skill, I learned leadership in working with people to get a goal accomplished," he said. "All of a sudden I was able to lead these Scouts and we were able to complete a goal that will benefit the community for years to come."

The tables are now fully functional but need to be transported from the overhang at the park to their proper positions. Bauer is hoping to use the one at Babbage during Heritage Day on Sept. 29 to hand out information on disability awareness.

"I hope that when people sit at these tables, they will think not of what I did but of what it represents. It shows that a group of people, when they want to accomplish something, they can," he said. "I hope people see the nice tables and find out they were donated … and will possibly do something too."

The entire project cost roughly $1,200. The Knights of Columbus, the North Brunswick Soccer Club, the Italian American Social Club of North Brunswick and its Ladies Auxiliary, the American Legion, the Home Depot and Ace Hardware donated supplies.

Bauer hopes to have a decision about his Eagle Scout ranking within about two months.