PORT HADLOCK — They built it — and they came.
On Saturday, a playground built by six local Girl Scouts was swarming with children as the East Jefferson Little League season got under way at Bob Bates Field.
“It’s a great thing,” said Bob Eldridge, league president. “It’s something this place has needed to keep the little brothers and sisters occupied and away from the parking lot.”
The playground, officially opened Saturday, was built by members of Girl Scout Troop 178, which includes Chantel Arey, Caitlin Eldridge, Bethany Friedrich, Ashley Hobson, Jovi Monroe and Kellie Montgomery.
Now juniors at Chimacum High School, the teens took on the project to earn Silver Awards, the highest in Cadette Girl Scouting.
Honored at the league’s opening ceremony, the Scouts got to throw out the first pitches of the season.
“These girls had played ball here since they were in kindergarten,” said Sandy Short, the troop’s project adviser.
“They’ve always wanted a playground where the younger brothers and sisters could go and play.”