MEXICO — After a childhood spent playing with friends at the Mexico Recreation Park, 18-year-old Richard Masterson decided this summer to give something back to the community.

On Saturday and Sunday, Masterson and his fellow Boy Scouts from Troop 580 spent nearly 20 hours at the park building a playground complete with slide, swings and a miniature climbing wall. Masterson, who built the new playground for his Eagle Scout project, wanted to improve the park for future generations.

“I’ve been coming down to this park since I was young, and every time I came down here, it’s been the same old stuff,” said Masterson, a Rumford resident who will begin his senior year at Mountain Valley High School this fall. “I thought, why not build something new for the rec park — something for the kids to use?”

With that first inspiration, Masterson began the long process of planning the project and securing the necessary approvals. First, he met with the Mexico Recreation Board to present his plans and get the green light to begin construction. Then, Masterson visited scores of area businesses asking for donations.

After lots of hard work, Masterson collected more than $1,100 in donations from local businesses and groups, including the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 24 and Stanley’s Furniture Mart.

With $1,100 on hand, Masterson and his father purchased building materials at Home Depot and gathered 13 people to help with construction. After two days of painstaking work, Masterson was able to see the new playground put to use.

“After we finished the project, there were some kids waiting anxiously over at the gazebo to go into it,” Masterson said. “After the project was done, I blew a whistle and they started to come over and play on it. I think that was really very touching.”

Town officials say the playground is already getting lots of use from local children. On Tuesday morning, Mexico Recreation Director Wayne Sevigny praised Masterson for his efforts.

“I was down here last night for T-ball, and there was probably 30 kids over there on it,” Sevigny said. “It was a great idea. Everything was Richard. We had nothing to do with it. He deserves all the credit.”

A lifelong Scout, Masterson has collected some 35 merit badges. By building the playground, Masterson is one step closer to securing Boy Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. His father, also named Richard Masterson, is proud of all his son has accomplished.

“I’m very proud of him. He’s not a quitter, you know,” the elder Masterson said. “I’m very proud he thought of the young kids. He’s done a very good job, and he worked very hard for it.”

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