Learning Leadership and Building Fences

June was a tough month to try and tackle an outdoor project, but hot temperatures didn't keep Noah Reardon away from his.

Reardon, 13, of La Grange, recently completed his Eagle Scout project by fixing up a fence along the south side of the parking lot. Even though it was his first time building a fence, Reardon said he learned a lot more than just construction by completing the project.

"I learned a lot," Reardon said. "I learned to talk with professionals and to communicate a project and to organize a group."

Reardon didn't waste any time going after the honored title of Eagle Scout this summer. While most scouts wait until closer to their senior year of high school to start their projects, Reardon will be entering 8th grade at next year with the accomplishment already under his belt.

"There's a lot I can still do in the scouts," Reardon said. "I'm planning to go after all the merit badges and also teaching some of the younger scouts."

His biggest lesson? Reardon said it was easy to answer: never give up.

"We failed along the way at times, but we used trial and error," the scout said. "I think it actually worked out better that way, because we got to approach it again."

Reardon said he spends a lot of time at the library in the summer, which was one reason why he decided to give them a hand with the project. He was walking by one day and noticed the fence was leaning significantly and had fallen into disrepair.

"I presented to the library board [in November last year] and they said it was OK, so I went forward with it," Reardon said.

Even though it was his first time building a fence, he jumped right in. Reardon went through the community and got about $5,000 in donated materials from local businesses looking to help.

Roger Freeman of Freeman Fence designed and donated a new prairie-style lattice for the fence and Ben's Rental donated tools to help get the job done. Scott Rogers of The Paint Guy pitched in too, donating time and equipment to power wash and treat the old fence. donated three stadium-sized pizzas for the hungry crew, donated $280 worth of screws and many family friends donated cash to help get the project off the ground.

"People were very generous," Reardon said. "We got a lot of community support."

Overall, Reardon said the project took about two weeks and 391 hours of labor to finish the project. His busiest day was the last day of the project, when he managed 18 volunteers to get it completed.

But it wasn't all hard work and no play—anyone who's used a power washer knows it can be pretty great.

"It's got a lot of kick to it," Reardon laughed.

Still, Reardon said he's glad to have the project in the bag.

"It's going to be nice to be able to relax the rest of the summer," he said. "But it really feels good that we're done because we've done something good for the library and it looks good."

Take a look at our pictures, or swing by the library to take a look at Reardon's work!