Village Park game Cornhole created by Goshen Girl Scout

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — Fourteen-year-old Alex Barnes wanted to do something fun for Goshen residents of all ages. Having to choose a project to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award gave her the perfect opportunity to accomplish her goal.
About two years ago, her dad, Glenn, built a beanbag toss game, called Cornhole, for home play.
“I loved the game,” said Alex, adding, “It got me into it.” She said she has fun competing with her brother Jason, 11.
So, Alex chose to construct a Cornhole game in Village Park (located on the property of the First Presbyterian Church) right in the heart of Goshen.
For Alex, a member of Girl Scout Troop No. 171, completing the project required lots of thought, energy and working with village officials.
Alex knew that before constructing the game, she had to get village approval, and since Village Park is in Goshen’s historic district, the design had to meet specific criteria.
“This involved a lot of conversations and emails on design and colors with the building inspector to make sure the project fit in,” said Alex.
Once the design received approval, Alex set to writing letters soliciting donations and raising funds. She organized a successful car wash that earned $600 and donated her own babysitting money to the cause.
Home Depot donated the materials for the structure, and Chris Urato, with Urato Landscaping in New Hampton, stepped up to dig the post holes for the base that holds the Cornhole boards.
“Even people we didn’t know didn’t hesitate to help me,” said Alex, who’s pleased with the design and colors of her finished project.
Boards for the game were purchased — at cost — from Victory Tailgate, an online manufacturer of cornhole games, based in Orlando, Fla.
With directions on how to play and beanbags attached to the base, everything is at hand for a fun-filled game. “Just have fun with it,” said Alex.
As an added bonus, Alex’s mom, Elena, noted the game encourages social interaction, perfecting skills, as well as being fun.
Both parents are proud of their daughter. “She came up with the idea herself; we just helped her along the way,” her dad said.
“She stuck with it and was determined to get it done,” said Elena, who’s not only Alex’s mom but also her troop leader. Lisa Forst was her project mentor.
Said Alex’s official project advisor, Village Mayor Kyle Roddey, “The Village of Goshen is so thankful for Alex’s contribution to our community. By adding this game to Church Park, it will provide a new way for residents to enjoy the most beautiful setting in Orange County. Alex has helped make Goshen a better place and I thank her for a job well done.”
What would Alex like to say to the people of Goshen? “Just come out and use it. Come and Play.”