Murray is a junior at Central Catholic High School and a Boy Scout with Troop 285. He said working toward this highest achievement has been rewarding.
SAN ANTONIO — A San Antonio teen is hitting all the right notes with a project designed to make music accessible for all kids. Thomas Murray is creating an outdoor musical sound garden at Turkey Roost, McAllister Park.
Murray is a junior at Central Catholic High School and a Boy Scout with Troop 285. He said being in this organization and working toward this highest achievement has been rewarding.
“It teaches you leadership,” he said. “It teaches you responsibilities.
This passion project is part of his Eagle Scout service project. The initiative includes installing outdoor musical instruments designed for children of all abilities.
Murray said the project is inspired by his older brother, Sean, who has Down syndrome and a deep love for music.
“I know him and other children just like him like music,” Murray said. “So I decided it would be a good project to have outdoor musical instruments so children at the park can experience music.”
The teen has already constructed a concrete platform for the playground and plans to add a variety of instruments that can be used in an outdoor setting.
“In San Antonio right now, we don’t have too many playground that involve musical instruments, or any musical technology,” the teenager said.
The project carries an estimated cost of $40,000. Murray has raised about half of that amount and continues to seek community support to complete the effort. Last year, he hosted a citywide 5k.
Murray is tackling this project while also balancing school and extracurricular activities. He said he remains committed to finishing the project.
“It’s like having him here reminds me I have to complete this project,” Murray said of his brother. “I’ve already started, so I can’t quit.”
Murray credits his parents, friend’s and brother for helping him along the way. He hopes to secure the remaining funds soon so the instruments can be installed and made available to the public.
The plan is to install five instruments surrounding the platform. If would like to contribute to the project, click here.
You can also donate to the project with the following information.
Cash App and Venmo: thmurray27@gmail.com