staff reporter
Pitt Meadows will not be taking any more applications for benches on its dikes as there is no more space to install them.
The introduction of a waiting list will likely raise false hope of being able to secure a location on the dike for a sponsored bench, director of parks and facilities David Boag told council Tuesday.
The benches are also a bit of an obstacle during dike inspections and routine maintenance.
The parks department considered the possibility of installing more than one plaque on the benches, but decided against that as they are not meant to be memorials.
“The bench gift program is not intended to be a memorial or shrine to the family. It’s specifically a gift to the community, for the community to enjoy,” Boag explained.
The benches are meant to last at least 10 years, but Boag says most have lasted longer.
The parks department is also considering installing quick response (QR) codes on plaques to allow people with smart phones to access more information about the stories behind them.
“With the uses of smart phones and younger people wanting to explore parks and their history, I think it will be a great [use of] technology,” said Coun. Dave Murray.
Instead of dike benches, staff recommend that potential sponsors be offered an alternate opportunity to contribute to the community, such as planting a tree, providing a picnic table or park bench, or perhaps a water fountain.