Apartment complex receives a two-story playground

Stepping Stones Apartments at 92nd Place and Burnside Street recently received a new playground thanks to Luke May, a local teen. May, 17, organized the installation as his project to become an Eagle Scout.

Annette Rios, 35, lives at Stepping Stones. Before the playground went in, "my kids had nowhere to play," she said, adding her five children are enjoying the new playground.

Rios' son, Frankie, was one of the children who helped put in the playground. The 7-year-old watched on the first day as May and his crew began preparing the site for the installation. He then asked if he could help, grabbed a shovel and started moving bark.

"From the time we arrived until the last person left, he was there," May said, adding that he would like to thank Frankie for all of his help.

Stepping Stones Apartments is part of a local nonprofit called My Father's House, whose mission is to "provide housing, education and a supportive community so homeless families can regain their independence and transform their lives."

May completed the actual construction in just two days with the help of about 25 volunteers each day. Planning was a longer process.

"It will be the culminating moment," May said before the final equipment went in Saturday, June 30, adding, "I'm excited."

May, a member of Troop 187, will be a senior at Barlow High School. His project is one of the requirements that must be fulfilled to become an Eagle Scout. To earn the honor, a scout also must take part in a certain conference, assume a position as a leader in the organization and earn at least 21 merit badges.

Walking away after constructing the playground, May said "it was a great feeling to see all the kids playing and having so much fun."