LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Visitors to Lima's Japanese Garden can now learn more about the city's decades-long relationship with its sister city, Harima-Cho, Japan, thanks to the efforts of a local Eagle Scout.
Sixteen-year-old Evan McKenzie of Shawnee Scout Troop 106 completed the historical marker as his Eagle Scout project. The Lima Sister City Association approached McKenzie about creating signage that would explain the history of the organization and the significance of the Japanese Garden.
McKenzie researched the histories of both Lima and Harima-Cho, designed the informational marker and installed the structure in the city's Japanese Garden.
"It's this graphic sign that was placed in the garden so that passersby could learn more information about why the garden's here and what it represents," said McKenzie.
Association President Matthew Neeley said the marker will serve as a lasting educational resource for visitors.
"When they visit our garden, they'll be able to answer questions they might like, how long has this been here? What is this organization about? And with the detailed and all the records and research that they put into this project, it's going to make a great addition for our community," Neeley said.
The Japanese Garden is located at the corner of South Elizabeth and Eureka streets along the Ottawa River.
