06-12-2013 Park Board Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lino Lakes Public Services Department 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 (651) 982 -2440 Fax (651) 982 -2439 Iv b . June 7, 2013 TO: Park Board Members FROM: Rick DeGardner, Public Services Director SUBJECT: Behms Park Memorial Bench Request A young boy in the Behm's Park neighborhood passed away this past March. A group of residents have approached staff requesting that a concrete bench (see attached) be installed near the playground area to keep his memory alive in a place that he loved and visited multiple times a day, every day throughout the summers. The young boy's parents stated, "The ideal placement would be near the playground, as this is the closest to his "favorite spot." It would allow us to be able to sit and reflect and watch the kids play while at the same time feel connected to our son. We also thought this would help provide extra seating for the many parents and children that visit this playground over the busy summer months, and it would give so many of our neighbors who have been touched by our son's life the opportunity to see and reflect on the purpose for that bench being there as well." Some comments from the neighborhood: o Ooh, I like it! Personally, I think it should be different than the other benches because there's a significance behind it. If it were to be the same as the others 1 think it would lose it's meaning. o I sure hope the city approves. I love the bench and I think it should be different from the other benches. o Love the bench. What a great idea. o I think the bench is awesome. o I think the bench looks beautiful. For a memorial bench, I think it is completely appropriate to be different than the other benches at the park. o I am not a fan of the aesthetics of this bench. However, if this is what the parents prefer, I offer my full support. o This is beautiful! o This is such a great way to remember him. The park has been such a big part of