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Bench replacement project moves forward

Posted 2/22/18

The Town of Fountain Hills is beginning its program to replace some three dozen benches around Fountain Park, and staff is starting by contacting those individuals who have donated a bench as a …

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Bench replacement project moves forward

Posted

The Town of Fountain Hills is beginning its program to replace some three dozen benches around Fountain Park, and staff is starting by contacting those individuals who have donated a bench as a memorial to a loved one.

Over the years irrigating the park with treated waste water has resulted in extensive corrosion to most of the benches.

At a recent town council retreat, Community Services Director Rachael Goodwin told the council there were 36 benches installed in the park between 2001 and 2003. Staff has had to replace benches on a periodic basis as they rusted and became a safety hazard. It has now reached the point where the number of benches in need of replacement is more than can be handled on an as-needed basis.

Goodwin said 10 benches have already been removed due to safety concerns. There are another 15 in immediate need of replacement, leaving a need for 25 new benches. The remaining 11 are not far behind as they are showing signs of heavy oxidation.

Staff is looking at a newer type of bench that will withstand the desert environment and high salt content of the irrigation water.

Goodwin told the council they have a concern about the memorial aspect of most of the benches. She said original information regarding the equipment was unclear that there would be a life expectancy in which the bench would need replacement.

She said there are a number of people that have expressed an interest in a memorial bench, but do not yet have one. Also, the town has no budgeted resources to replace the benches with town funds.

Staff has begun making contact with those with memorial benches asking if they would like to rededicate a new bench to their loved one, allowing original donors the first right of refusal.

With a new program it will be made clear that there is a life expectancy for the bench and donors will be contacted when the bench needs to be replaced for the opportunity to rededicate.

Goodwin said a list of donors, both current and previous, will be listed on the town website as an ongoing memoriam.

The cost for the new benches is $1,800 with shipping and installation included. They are constructed with a new engineered composite material and stainless steel, so they are expected to better weather conditions in Fountain Park.

Those currently with bench memorials, as well as those waiting, are being contacted about their interest. Goodwin said the new benches are expected to take about eight weeks for shipping and will be ordered to allow the lead time over the coming summer with installation planned for the fall.