Hats off to Eagle Scout Mitch Engelking for his ingenious idea to post an official sign and distance markers for the Peppertree Park track. I've been an almost daily user of this track for eight years and have always wanted to know the exact distance around.

I thought I had found out, by chance, when this past year another curious track user was wheeling around one of those distance measuring devices used by surveyors.

I stopped to inquire what he came up with and had been pleased to finally be able to answer the numerous other patrons of the park as they shout out to me as I'm running by if I know what the distance is.

Apparently, it wasn't quite accurate. This fills a need that park users had and serves as an incentive for those attempting to challenge themselves to be more fit, and maybe I can make it to the next distance marker.

Just a hint to any other Scout out there that might need an idea for their Eagle project- the park could also use a proper track around the smaller loop to provide a more stable running/ walking terrain.

It would aid in the winter when rains turn that back portion of the track into mud, rendering it unusable for several days while it dries out.

Way to go, Mitch and the Boy Scouts, for helping. Sheila Alderson Newbury Park