PARIS – Kimberly Nutting of Oxford and Brianna Tuominen of Norway have begun their projects for the Gold Award in Girl Scouting, the highest award a girl can earn in Scouting.

It takes two years of leadership, community service and career exploration before doing a 52-hour project that reflect the girl’s interest and goals. Nutting and Tuominen have undertaken the design and construction of a playground for the new Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School Preschool.

The preschool is part of the technical school’s early childcare program, which is serving 16 children age 2 to 5. The children need an outdoor space, and Nutting and Tuominen want to make sure it is a safe and fun environment for them.

Presently the area is only weeds and an old fence, but the girls wish to do the following: replace the old fence with a new one and resurface the ground with wood chips and sand. They would like to have a sandbox, picnic tables and swings.

The Scouts are looking for outdoor toys, such as a climber, slide, wagon, tikes, trucks, pails and shovels. Anyone who has any of the items in good shape can drop them off at the home of leader Diana Phillips, 27 Whitman St., Norway, or call 743-7014 for pickup. Donations and items can also go to Oxford High Technical School in care of Eileen Steck, instructor, or call 743-7756, ext. 1143.