Called the district today to inquire about dedicating a park bench to my mom.Dad comes here every winter and would love a place to sit near my home with my mom's name on it. You see the district told me the only place they're allowing new benches are at the executive courses.The problem is two fold with that scenario.First the closest executive course is over 2 miles away so walking there at 84 years old isn't possible. Second even if he could get there how many golfers want someone sitting on a bench at a tee box while they play golf.
If you go on the district website it states executive courses and multi modal paths. I'm confused as to why these restrictions exist. There is a lot of places close to my home where dad could walk to that have beautiful views where a park bench would be a nice addition.

[fred53]

You can always buy a bench and have a small metal plaque made at any trophy store. As to you interpretation of the restrictions....you never would have considered it at all except for you situation...hope you get it resolved to your satisfaction.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan

Called the district today to inquire about dedicating a park bench to my mom.Dad comes here every winter and would love a place to sit near my home with my mom's name on it. You see the district told me the only place they're allowing new benches are at the executive courses.The problem is two fold with that scenario.First the closest executive course is over 2 miles away so walking there at 84 years old isn't possible. Second even if he could get there how many golfers want someone sitting on a bench at a tee box while they play golf.
If you go on the district website it states executive courses and multi modal paths. I'm confused as to why these restrictions exist. There is a lot of places close to my home where dad could walk to that have beautiful views where a park bench would be a nice addition.

You'd think The Villages would welcome benches that are dedicated.
Maybe pick a particular site and try again?
Good luck. I wish you success. You are very thoughtful.
It would be a nice memorial for your mom.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

You'd think The Villages would welcome benches that are dedicated.
Maybe pick a particular site and try again?
Good luck. I wish you success. You are very thoughtful.
It would be a nice memorial for your mom.

In one of our art groups here, one of the long time members passed away. As a group we purchased a bench. It was not placed close to Laurel Manor where we meet, or near where most of us live. I wasn't in charge of any of this, but sort of guessed that there are places that are designated for benches. I guess this because it seems to me that the landscaping seems to be placed very carefully and beautifully and is obviously planned and certainly not haphazard. Which would lead me to believe that some places are benched out and some places have room for benches. Another instance where careful planning is very beautiful and sometimes not helpful to Bosox situation.

Bosox...wouldn't a golf cart ride be a good plan and some ice cream afterwards?

Dad comes down every winter .He can only walk about a quarter of a mile and there are plenty of spots within a quarter mile that a bench would fit in nicely with the landscape.

[Arctic Fox]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Maybe pick a particular site and try again?

I think this would be your best approach. Find a site that's picturesque but where the bench would not be obstructing anything (such as access to landscaping), take some photos and make a strong case for it.

Remember that they have a lot of grass to mow, and interrupting the flow for a bench could be quite disruptive.

[dewilson58]

Hope it works out.

[Bogie Shooter]

Why not make it real personal. Plant a small garden with the bench in your back yard.

[Bay Kid]

I walk all the executive courses. I sit on all the benches from time to time. I always read the plaque. If you do place one on the executive courses it will be very appreciated by all.

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan

Called the district today to inquire about dedicating a park bench to my mom.Dad comes here every winter and would love a place to sit near my home with my mom's name on it. You see the district told me the only place they're allowing new benches are at the executive courses.The problem is two fold with that scenario.First the closest executive course is over 2 miles away so walking there at 84 years old isn't possible. Second even if he could get there how many golfers want someone sitting on a bench at a tee box while they play golf.
If you go on the district website it states executive courses and multi modal paths. I'm confused as to why these restrictions exist. There is a lot of places close to my home where dad could walk to that have beautiful views where a park bench would be a nice addition.

I don't know what kind of yard you have, if any, but why not buy a bench and have a plaque made up to put on it and place it in your yard where your dad can sit on it when he comes down? That way you both can enjoy the special bench as you choose.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Happinow

I don't know what kind of yard you have, if any, but why not buy a bench and have a plaque made up to put on it and place it in your yard where your dad can sit on it when he comes down?

I think the whole idea is for Bosoxfan's dad to go for a short walk and sit on a bench where he can enjoy a beautiful view, and create a memorial for his mom. I think the idea has merit.
Perhaps suggesting a site close to your house with a view would make The District specifically consider that site for a bench.
Please don't give up, it's a beautiful idea.

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I think the whole idea is for Bosoxfan's dad to go for a short walk and sit on a bench where he can enjoy a beautiful view, and create a memorial for his mom. I think the idea has merit.
Perhaps suggesting a site close to your house with a view would make The District specifically consider that site for a bench.
Please don't give up, it's a beautiful idea.

Barefoot you really hit the nail on the head..Mmy dad likes to take my dog for a short walk while my wife & I are working and there are some really breathtaking views where a bench would compliment the landscape so he can sit and reflect on his life with & without my mom. He's not a young man ( 84 in May) and while he's here I would like to see him enjoy this type of memorial.

[pqrstar]

From what I understand, you place a request to sponsor a bench, The Villages gives you a choice from pre-selected sites.

If you pass on those sites, you can wait for another round of selections to come up.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by pqrstar

From what I understand, you place a request to sponsor a bench, The Villages gives you a choice from pre-selected sites.

If you pass on those sites, you can wait for another round of selections to come up.

That makes sense.

[JoMar]

We recently "purchased" a bench with plaques for our parents. There was one space left at the dog park and we took it as we love to stop there and watch the dogs so we get to sit on it. We thought abut one on an Executive course but did learn that you just can't walk to the bench, you need a tee time. While I don't agree with all the conditions they have on stuff here, I respect their right to have those conditions. This is their place. Those places are their property. They own it, they have the liability, the responsibility to keep it in the condition we expect so they get to make the rules.