I have an older friend whom I love to walk with around our ‘Stadtteile’. She grew up here; her parents and grandparents came from this area. One side of her family were farmers and the other fishmongers. She in turn raised her three children here and, in parallel, ran her own physiotherapy practice. Every time I walk with her, we are flagged down by an old classmate, a former patient, or her now adult children’s friends. It makes me feel like I am right back in the small town where I grew up, where everyone pretty much knows everyone or at least a relation.
In the fading light
As we decided to enjoy the last warmth of the lingering sun as the long summer days close, we spoke about the view of the Elbe. For her, and for me, it is always a treat to sit and watch the water flow, ships coming in and out. And so we got to talking about memorial benches. Those benches that are placed just so that one can remember the person who is no longer there to enjoy that view. She of course said she would want one here in Blankenese overlooking the Elbe. A spot where anyone could come to let go of whatever they are wrestling with, she said, would be just right.
I found that perfect. I said I would always come to that spot when I needed her company. For myself though, I find it hard to think of one place, one view, that captures me. I have lived in so many places and have enjoyed so many wonderful views, I cannot decide. Would the mountains with the changing color of leaves through the seasons and the light and shadows of day be right? Or is it better to be by the sea with the sunlight reflecting so white on the water and the clouds nearly dancing on top? Or could it be near a river where the sound of the water always flowing carries away whatever may be on your mind?
Benches for Every Occasion
Nonetheless, I love the idea. Interestingly, in Germany I have seen benches that commemorate all sorts of happy occasions — marriage proposals, milestone birthdays, family humor, or even tributes to pets. I know our dog would love that as he has his favorite benches under which he can burrow into the dirt to cool down when it is very hot outside. In the UK and the US, the dedicated benches I have come across mostly carry a memorial plaque or perhaps commemorate the opening of a park. I have sometimes seen such memorial plaques on benches on a hiking trail as well.
Sponsor a Spot of Your Own
As I explored this idea a bit further, I found that it is easier than one might think to sponsor a spot to ponder. In Germany, the Stiftung Preußische Schlösser und Gärten offers a ten-year Parkbankpatenschaft in the Prussian gardens, with a brass plaque of your choosing, for a donation from €1,000. In the UK, councils such as Wirral sell inscribed benches for roughly £1,300, covering the bench’s ten-year lifespan. In the US, both the Central Park Conservancy and NYC Parks run Adopt-A-Bench programs. What they share is that every one is run locally, by municipal parks and the foundations and conservancies that care for them. What I like is that one is able to give back into the community in this way and stay a part of it.
What the Plaque Says
The other thing to consider is what to say on such a plaque. I like the sentiment in the poem On This Park Bench by Sarah Mkhonza, of a love that began on a bench and voted yes to life.
What would you commemorate? And where would you put the bench?
Add your bench, or the one you would choose, at parkbenchnearme.com/community.