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Parks Commission in Berlin reviews equipment styles

By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY PARKS COMMISSION
The Berlin Parks Commission reviewed examples of benches, picnic tables and bike racks for the commemorative program in the parks during its meeting on Sept. 1.

(Sept. 10, 2020) The Berlin Parks Commission at its Sept. 1 meeting reviewed bench, picnic table and bike rack styles for its commemorative program.

Individuals, families or organizations who wish to honor the memory of loved ones or memorialize a significant event can make a donation through the price of the bench, picnic table or bike rack plus a $200 maintenance fee.

“The [benches] at Stephen Decatur Park I think are 12 feet long, so they have concrete on either end and then a concrete in the middle,” said Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen.

Bohlen directed the commission to bench styles similar to the benches in the park on Tripoli Street. She also asked the commission members for their opinions on recycled products.

“I like recycled products … but it would be nice to still have a historic look just because of the age of the town,” said commission member Laura Stearns.

The commission agreed on the Heritage Recycled Plastic Park Benches.

“I think that looks like it will fit into our parks,” said commission member Patricia Dufendach.

The commission also discussed bench options for spectators near the basketball courts at Dr. William Henry Park on Flower Street.

When evaluating the options for picnic tables, Dufendach said she prefers those that are welded rather than bolted.

“The composite has its drawbacks,” Bohlen added. “It can be very heavy. That could be a good thing, but it can also tend to warp.”

As for bike racks, Bohlen said she opposes the ground loop style because it is a tripping hazard.

“Another alternative—what the city of Salisbury did, and this would be on obviously a very case-by-case basis—if the donor wanted to commission an artist to make one, we could certainly consider that,” Bohlen said.

Bohlen said the pictures that were presented for the benches, picnic tables and bike racks were style examples.

“When an actual request is made, we will review what is on the market at that time,” she said.

In addition, Bohlen provided the commission a copy of the grant application to install permanent restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park.

“I will tell you that the restrooms at Henry Park cost a considerable amount of money to maintain in the years since then,” Bohlen said. “We’ve had to replace doors, we’ve had to alter the locks on the doors, we’ve had fires set. Public restrooms are very costly.”

At this time, Fall Just Walk is still scheduled for Nov. 7, but Bohlen said she would contact the commission members if there are any changes.

The next Parks Commission meeting is scheduled for Nov. 3.

For more information, visit berlinmd.gov.