7-26-2025 12:47am

Local Eagle Scout Candidate Will Hampton Completes Astronomy-Themed Project at Hisey Park

Beth Callahan Editor

Will's project was utilized as part of Warren County Soil and Water District's Future Conservationists camp earlier this summer.

Story and photos courtesy of Warren County Park District

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Will Hampton, a 14-year-old Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 316 of the Miami Valley Council, has successfully completed his Eagle Scout service project at Hisey Park in coordination with the Warren County Astronomical Society (WCAS) and Warren County Park District (WCPD). The project was recognized at a ceremony on July 5 during which WCAS and WCPD thanked Will for his volunteerism.

Inspired by his passion for astronomy and prior visits to the Fred Bay Observatory as part of his Scouting journey, Will designed and painted a large-scale solar system rendering next to the observatory. The educational mural enhances the park's astronomical programming and serves as a creative visual tool for stargazers and science learners of all ages. The mural's planets are aligned as they were on 12/29/2011, the date WCAS was founded.

"I learned a lot of skills such as flexibility, leadership, understanding, and problem-solving," said Will. "I want to thank everyone who helped me with my project-it truly meant a lot to me."

Throughout the project, Will led a diverse group of volunteers ranging in age from 10 to 60. His efforts involved thoughtful planning, hands-on artistic work, and consistent coordination with both the Warren County Park District and the Warren County Astronomical Society.

"There's a reason why only four percent of Scouts make it to the rank of Eagle-because it's not easy," said Joe Dimisa, Eagle Scout Coach and Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 316 in Centerville, Ohio." Will was poised for success with a well-thought-out plan for the project, excellent leadership skills guiding a group of volunteers, and good communication abilities with the Park District and Astronomical Society. We are proud of him and happy with the inspiring results."

Will's project is now a permanent addition to Hisey Park and the Fred Bay Observatory, where it will educate and inspire visitors for years to come. Visitors can see the project at 5443 Middletown Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068.

About Warren County Park District -

Warren County Park District is a county-wide park and green space provider, managing 1,716 acres in 12 parks across the County including its flagship parks, Armco and Landen-Deerfield. WCPD's mission is to enhance our community's well-being by preserving quality natural spaces where all are invited to discover and experience the great outdoors. For information, see www.warren countyparks.com, email parks@warrencountyparks.com, or call (513) 695-3980.

About Warren County Astronomical Society -

Warren County Astronomical Society is organized by volunteers for the enjoyment of astronomy for educational and scientific purposes for members and the public. Members operate the Fred Bay Observatory at Hisey Park near Waynesville and hold free monthly public programs through an agreement with the Warren County Park District. WCAS also helps operate the Rachel A. Hutzel Observatory at Camp Joy near Clarksville. For more information, visit https://wcas-oh.org/

About Scouting America -

Scouting America provides the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be "Prepared. For Life." The Scouting organization is composed of more than one million youth members between the ages of 5 and 21 and more than 628,000 volunteers in local councils throughout the United States and its territories. For more information, visit https://stg.scouting.org/