In the last round of neighborhood grants, the Maplewood neighborhood off State Route 169 received about $1,600 to build a bus shelter.

In May, Eagle Scout candidate Zadrien Behnke of Troop 449 completed the shelter as part of his Eagle Project, but there was one problem: The grant did not cover enough money for a bench, so while the three-walled shelter would protect passengers from the elements, they would have to stand while they waited.

But soon after the project was completed, neighborhood association President Bob Johnson and Vice President Dennis Wood noticed something remarkable. Someone had anonymously installed a bench.

Some minor modification was necessary, but Johnson and Wood both said the bench was a welcome surprise.

“It allows the children to sit rather than stand while waiting for the bus during bad weather,” Johnson said.

So far, no one has come forward to claim responsibility for the new bench.

Overall, the project came in under budget due to some contributions from businesses and the anonymous support of the bench-builder.

“All this volunteer work and other contributions restores our faith in the humanity that still exists,” Johnson said. “There are still people who care about their neighborhoods and the efforts of others.”

In the next round of neighborhood grants, the VerCello neighborhood will be receiving approximately $5,000, which will be matched with homeowner association funds, to clean up trails in the neighborhood, including laying down fresh bark and gravel.

The trail is about a mile long and is located near Hazen High School and is often used by students and runners.

For more information on the neighborhood program, visit www.rentonwa.gov.