06/05/2026
Eagle Scout Project Brings New Trail Wayfinding System to Keever Trails Park
LEBANON, OH — Visitors to Keever Trails Park, part of the Warren County Park District, now have a new way to explore the park’s trails with confidence thanks to a recently completed Eagle Scout project by Dustin Minick of Troop 21.
The new trail wayfinding system is designed to make the park’s trails easier to access, follow, and enjoy. The project includes trail markers and directional medallions placed throughout the trail system to help visitors better understand where they are and how to navigate the park. The Park District intends to expand similar wayfinding improvements to additional parks over the next several years.
“Dustin’s Eagle Scout project is a meaningful improvement for Keever Trails and a great example of how local volunteers can leave a lasting mark on our parks,” said Matt Latham, Executive Director of the Warren County Park District. “This new wayfinding system will help visitors feel more confident exploring the trails, and it gives us a strong model to build from as we bring similar improvements to other parks.”
Minick, a recent Kings High School graduate, has been involved in Scouting since second grade, when he joined as a Wolf Scout in 2014. He recently earned both a Tech Honors Diploma and an Honors Diploma and plans to attend the University of Cincinnati in the fall, where he will enter as a sophomore through UC’s Early IT program and dual major in Cybersecurity and Networking.
“Scouting has always appealed to me because I get to enjoy the outdoors, learn helpful skills, meet new people, and have amazing experiences,” Minick said. “I have learned so many valuable skills while enjoying nature, making good food, and bonding with the people around me.”
The project required significant planning, including determining where each trail medallion should be placed and how the system should be organized. Minick completed the work while balancing school, College Credit Plus classes, work, certification studies, gym time, and service as captain of his Business Professionals of America team.
“One of the biggest challenges was deciding the correct way to organize and place the medallions,” Minick said. “It was difficult to juggle everything at the same time, but I was able to persevere.”
For Minick, the most rewarding part was seeing the project come together during installation.
“Putting the posts in the ground felt amazing because I could finally see the project coming to fruition after planning it for so long,” Minick said. “Seeing it finished was extraordinary, and I honestly could not believe it was finally done after so much planning.”
Minick said he hopes the project helps more people discover and enjoy the park.
“The most exciting part of this project is that it is something that will be there for a very long time,” Minick said. “It is a mark that I left, something that improves the community and helps bring people together to enjoy the trail more.”
Keever Trails Park, a 51-acre park located at 3975 Keever Pass, Lebanon, OH 45036, is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk, and offers a quiet natural setting for walking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Warren County Park District is a county-wide park and green space provider, managing 1,716 acres in 12 parks across the County including its flagship parks, Armco and Landen-Deerfield. Our mission is to enhance our community's well-being by preserving quality natural spaces where all are invited to discover and experience the great outdoors. For more information, see www.WarrenCountyParks.com, email [email protected], or call (513) 695-3980.
