LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A Lima teenager is one step closer to achieving the highest rank in Scouting while continuing a family tradition of giving back to the community.
Gavin Vondrell, a member of Shawnee Troop 777, is completing his Eagle Scout project at the Lima Family YMCA by finishing a large-scale landscaping renovation that began with his older brother's Eagle Scout project last year.
Connor Vondrell earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2025 after completing the first phase of the YMCA landscaping project. Both brothers are active members at the YMCA and wanted to improve an area they regularly use.
Recognizing that a complete landscaping overhaul would be too extensive for a single project, the brothers divided the work into two phases. Gavin is now completing the remaining planting beds, effectively finishing what his brother started.
Throughout the week, volunteers have removed bushes, replanted greenery and spread river rock throughout the landscape beds.
As the Eagle Scout candidate, Gavin has served as the project's coordinator, overseeing fundraising efforts, securing donations and organizing volunteers to ensure the project's success.
"It feels good just to kind of get those compliments, knowing that our work is going toward something, making people, I guess, feel better. Obviously, you wouldn't want to do all this work, and then people don't think it looks good, so it's good to know that everyone thinks it looks good, right?" said Vondrell.
The project cost approximately $3,000, but numerous in-kind donations of materials and volunteer labor helped significantly reduce expenses. Vondrell said he is grateful for the community support that has made the project possible.
Once completed, the landscaping improvements will provide a refreshed appearance for the Lima Family YMCA and leave a lasting impact for members and visitors for years to come.
