Preston Aarhus to be recognized at Eagle Scout Court of Honor by Boys Scouts of America
An abandoned playground in Vancouver has been revitalized, and the 15-year-old who led the project has earned the highest advancement for the Boys Scouts of America.
Preston Aarhus of Salmon Creek will be recognized during his Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Saturday.
As a member of Hillcrest Church’s Troop 393, Aarhus is one of only 4 percent of all scouts nationwide to attain the rank of Eagle Scout.
In his Eagle Scout project, Aarhus revitalized an abandoned playground behind the church. He repaired playground equipment and picnic tables, replaced four park benches, removed a field of weeds covering the playground area, and replaced 45 yards of cedar chips.
“I grew up in this church and used to play in this playground,” Aarhus said in a press release announcing his Eagle Scout status. “I have a lot of good memories here. It made me sad that it was neglected and wasn’t being used anymore. I wanted to bring it back to life so others could enjoy it like I did.”
The playground, on the church campus located at 14410 NW 21st Ave in Vancouver, is now used daily by the local neighborhood, the church, and numerous community groups.
Aarhus is a member at Hillcrest Church and attends youth group there. He plays piano and is working toward earning his black belt in Kajekenbo. Preston has three older siblings and is the son of John and Kristen Aarhus.
Also read:
- OII completes investigation into Clark County Sheriff’s Office use of deadly force in July of 2025
A 77-page OII report on the July 30, 2025 death of Branden Whitcomb now goes to the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office. - VIDEO: Entrepreneur exodus continues as Washington’s new income tax looms
Venice.ai founder Jesse Proudman says Washington’s new income tax is the final blow driving him and others out of the state. - WA gets $538M in delayed COVID-era payments from FEMA
FEMA is sending $538M to Washington state health departments and hospital systems for COVID-era costs after years of delays. - Opinion: When you’ve lost Christine Gregoire, you’ve lost Washington
Former Gov. Gregoire says Washington’s $80B budget reflects a spending problem, not an income problem. - Letter: Present bridge plan has been in the expensive and unworkable planning stage far too long with no real end in sight
Brush Prairie resident Bob Mattila argues the I-5 Bridge plan doubles costs by including light rail on the span. - Letter: Stop turning gas prices into war propaganda
Camas resident Tony Teso fires back at Jonathan Hines, arguing militarism won’t lower fuel costs for working families. - Letter: Compassion requires accountability
A medical provider and downtown Vancouver resident challenges whether current homelessness policies produce measurable results.
wpDiscuz
