From left are Connor Joy, Jeffrey Naundorf-Miller and Meraley Fugate. Ink Free News photo by Phil Smith.

WINONA LAKE — The town of Winona Lake has received a huge benefit from the efforts of three Boy Scouts who used their initiative and vision — not to mention hard work — to earn the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout.

Jeffrey Naundorf-Miller, 15, Connor Joy, 18 and Meraley Fugate, 18, all headed up projects related to the enhancement or beautification of Winona Lake over the past year, according to Parks Director Holly Hummitch. They are part of Warsaw and Winona Lake Boy Scout Troop 715.

“I am so proud of these young men and their accomplishments,” said Hummitch. “On behalf of the Winona Lake Limitless Park, we extend our gratitude for their desire to enhance the park and assist with these improvements. Their hard hard work and dedication is admirable and appreciated.”

Naundorf-Miller collected 400 pounds of plastic lids and raised $750 for the purchase of two new benches for the K21 Splash Pad at Winona Lake Limitless Park. “I’ve always enjoyed going to the Winona Lake park,” he said. “My parents took me there often when I was younger. When I was helping Connor paint the lifeguard stand and spiral slide, I noticed there were a few benches that didn’t look too safe. I went home and spoke to my parents about it, and suggested that perhaps that should be my project. They agreed, and the rest is history.”

Naundorf-Miller is a senior patrol leader and a charter member of The Order of the Arrow. He has earned more than 100 Scouting merit badges.

Joy repainted the spiral slide and rebuilt and painted the lifeguard station at Winona Lake Limitless Park. “My family has always seen the slide at the park as somewhat of a staple for the park. So, when we noticed it needed some repair, I thought it would be perfect for the scouts to help out with,” Joy said.

Fugate coordinated and assisted in the painting of the outdoor restroom building at Winona Lake Limitless Park. “I chose Winona Lake because I noticed that a lot of renovations were being done there and I wanted to be a part of that impact on the community.”