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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
By Brian Hews
LA MIRADA, CA (July 11, 2025) – A fresh adventure awaits visitors to Historic Neff Park, thanks to the initiative of Eagle Scout candidate Luke Champagne-Cottom of La Mirada’s Boy Scout Troop 438. As part of his Eagle Scout service project, Champagne-Cottom designed and installed a permanent Orienteering Course that blends outdoor exploration with map-reading and navigation skills—bringing a new layer of engagement to one of the city’s most treasured landmarks.
The Orienteering Course features a series of checkpoints strategically placed throughout the park, challenging participants to navigate using only a detailed map and compass. The course is designed to be both educational and fun, catering to scouts, families, students, and anyone with an adventurous spirit.
Historic Neff Park, home to the iconic Neff Estate, has deep roots in cartography through its historical connection to Andrew McNally—the famed 19th-century mapmaker and co-founder of Rand McNally. By establishing this Orienteering Course at Neff Park, Champagne-Cottom’s project pays tribute to McNally’s legacy while fostering critical outdoor skills like navigation, problem-solving, and teamwork.
“This project was designed to encourage adventure and exploration while teaching a useful survival skill,” Champagne-Cottom said. “I hope this course will inspire more people to get outdoors, engage with nature, and appreciate the history of our city.”
The Orienteering Course will be integrated into La Mirada’s popular youth programs, including the annual Father-Son Campout and summer camps, offering an exciting educational component to city-sponsored events. Local schools and scout troops will also be encouraged to use the course as a hands-on learning tool.
Residents are invited to visit Neff Park and test their navigation skills in a fun and family-friendly setting. The course is open during regular park hours and is free to the public.
For more information or to request photos of the new Orienteering Course, contact Luke Champagne-Cottom or the La Mirada Community Services Department.