ZELIENOPLE — Zachary Baker is 15 years old — and already a veteran fund-raiser.

The fourth annual Ultimate Zelie Challenge — an obstacle course designed for children and adults — takes place Sept. 2 at the Zelienople Community Park playground.

The event raises money for the Barton Bars, the park's adult playground, as well as for the park itself. Baker developed the Ultimate Zelie Challenge concept when he was 12.

“My mom and I were helping to develop obstacles with (then park manager) Alecia Flood) for the Mud Run course four years ago,”Baker recalled. “As we were doing it, I felt like we could do a similar course over at the playground, make an event out of that, too.

“I pitched the idea (to Flood), but never expected to get a yes. She wound up calling my mom and asking her if I would actually do it.”

Baker's mother is Joella Baker, director of GetFit Families in Zelienople. She coaches that organization's triathlon team as well.

The Ultimate Zelie Challenge has raised $5,000 for Zelienople Community Park in its first three years.

“We raise $1,000 for another obstacle for the Barton Bars each year and give the rest of the money to the park,” Baker said.

Once Baker began watching the American Ninja Warrior TV showa few years ago, he wanted to develop a similar challenge locally.

“I got hooked on that show. It's still my favorite show on TV. Kids always love running and jumping all over the place,” Baker said. “I thought, why not channel that energy?

“It's a fun competition for everybody.”

The first year of the Ultimate Zelie Challenge had 80 participants. There were 100 in the second year before participation slipped to 50 last year.

“We didn't publicize it as well last year,” Baker said. “We're hoping to get 100 to 150 competitors this year and raise $1,500 to $2,000.”

Baker said the Ultimate Zelie Challenge is open to anyone age 4 through adult. The course is adjusted in degree of difficulty by age range.

The course has three stages. The first stage can be completed in two minutes, the second stage in less than three minutes.

“I'm not sure how long for the third stage. We're still working on it,” Baker said.

Stage 1 has six obstacles and subsequent stages have a few more.

Participants may register for the Ultimate Zelie Challenge by visiting www.getfitfamilies.com or by calling Baker at 724-321-4265. Baker can also be reached at gkc1717@gmail.com.

Registration is at 11 a.m. Sept. 2 at the park. Events begin at noon.

Baker is entering his sophomore year at North Catholic High School.

“I don't think this event can ever max out in terms of participants because we plan to keep adding to it,” he said. “There will always be room for growth.”