Last fall, a pie in the sky dream was born within the Garretson Parks Advisory Committee (GPAC). While discussing options for park beautification and tree replacement, it was suggested to do sponsorships for trees and benches.
While the ash tree replacement program was still in development, the GPAC decided to look into their options for moving ahead with “the bench project,” as it came to be called. The GPAC set a goal of at least 10 benches being sponsored, which could then be placed along the river in Split Rock Park.
A Perfect Partnership
Last summer and this summer, the Movies in the Park project was done in partnership with Grow Garretson, and with its success, the GPAC decided to request partnering with them again. The two groups’ goals aligned nicely, as Grow Garretson is always looking to provide guidance, promotions ideas, and fundraising ideas for various groups and businesses in the community spearheading efforts to grow our little town, and the GPAC is looking to grow and improve the City Parks.
The GPAC wanted the first 10 benches in Split Rock Park, with the contingency that extras would be placed in Devil’s Gulch and the Jaycee Sports Complex. Grow Garretson requested to continue that effort within the downtown area if more than ten benches were sponsored.
Perfect Timing
The “bench project” was launched with perfect timing, as that same week, the infamous white bench at the Split Rock Dam was damaged beyond repair by ice floes. The bench, which had been donated by the Tyrrell family, had been the inspiration for the project. After the first week, ten benches had already been pledged. Both the GPAC and Grow Garretson were overjoyed to see that response, and over the next month, saw twelve more responses for full or partial bench sponsorships.
Dedication Ceremony July 6
With the overwhelming response, the GPAC knew a dedication ceremony was in order to thank all those who made this project possible. They will be hosting the ceremony for sponsors and the public on Saturday, July 6 at 11:00 am at the Split Rock Park Dam and Bathhouse. Participants will be invited to share the reasons why their memories of the Garretson area that inspired them to sponsor a bench. For instance, Agnes Berge, a longtime Garretson resident and former librarian, had several family members donate towards her name upon her passing this last spring. Upon the families’ request, her bench, which reads “In memory of Agnes Berge – Keep on Reading,” will be placed by the library.
The bench project will be continuing throughout the summer, with another order planned for September. To sponsor a bench, visit GrowGarretson.com/bench or fill out a form (available at First Bank & Trust and the Garretson Gazette).
