Despite the fact local Boy Scouting participation has waned in recent years, that isn’t stopping members from working to improve the community.

This past weekend, one of Troop 106’s prospective Eagle Scouts, Andrew McCown, completed his service project that puts him in the running to earn the special distinction.

The focus of McCown’s project was the Edna Kopacz Memorial Park on South Eighth Street in Ironton. Thanks to his efforts, with the help of other Scouts and volunteers, the park now has new benches, fresh paint on the playground equipment and a sharp-looking sign.

With very little money in the city’s parks and recreation fund, the improvements to this park likely would have taken a long time to happen if it were not for McCown and his Scout troop.

The young boys who dedicate their free time to the Boy Scouts — not just in Ironton, but also all over the county — should be commended for the volunteer work they do for their communities.

Scouting is such a positive program for boys and girls and more participation should be encouraged.

We look forward to seeing what other Eagle Scout projects may arise in the future. If you know of any Scouts working on their service projects, contact us at news@irontontribune.com.