MORE THAN A BENCH, A SEAT IN HISTORY
West Seneca, NY – Due to increasing interest, there is a second opportunity to sponsor a park bench. This time, they will be anchored around the new walking path at Firemen’s Park.
At the onset of the nice summer weather, the first nine park benches were recently dedicated in the West Seneca Town Soccer Park with a communal “Flower Planting Event”. This event brought the community organizations, businesses, and families together to celebrate and dedicate the bench they purchased, reminding us of how connected we all are in various ways. The group took time to reflect on what the benches really meant and joined together to plant perennial flowers.
“The benches are representative of the community we have here in West Seneca; of their legacy and mark on West Seneca, but they are also a sign of how much we have grown and continue to grow. A flower planting seemed most fitting. The organizations that have sponsored a bench or the loved ones being remembered, are residents that have made West Seneca what it is today”, said Town Supervisor Gary Dickson.
The original request to have benches installed in the Soccer Park came from long-time resident, Mary Lou Dietrich. The Town Supervisor’s Office had several conversations with various organizations and families who wanted to sponsor a bench. These conversations led to stories that added great meaning behind each of the benches, reminding the community of how connected we are to those that came before us in the Town of West Seneca.
The names on the benches are people, organizations, businesses, or parishes that have contributed as leaders, either by the way they raised their families, like the late Brenda Walker, Matriarch of the Walker Family, or Gerald & Eleanor Greenan; through service as illustrated by Life Church, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and the Women’s Club; through the many lessons taught to by our coaches & teachers from the West Seneca Teachers Association; through their participation and facilitation of recreational programs as represented by the Masset Family, bringing decades of laughter and joy to the town parks; through local businesses that constantly give back to their community, like Shell Fab Countertops & Casework; or even through the initial development of the Town Park through various contributions of individuals present. Participants could tell you the story of how the park was first created, or how the 20-year-old trees came to be. Everyone at the event was connected to one another or the soccer park in some way.
“Our community only grows and improves through the efforts of community members like them. The flower planting is yet another way to collectively enhance the quality and beauty of our parks, which in turn, affects the quality of life for our families here in West Seneca. The planting and benches were a reminder of Mother Teresa’s quote, “do small things with great love”, said Town Supervisor Gary Dickson.
If you are interested in sponsoring a bench for the second round of benches to be installed at Fireman’s Park, you can obtain additional information by contacting Amelia Greenan, Deputy Town Supervisor at 716-558-3202. The deadline to submit requirements for the final order are due no later than June 30th .
***More photos can be found on Town Facebook Page.