Pro-Life Estevan and Area has sponsored three benches that will be located in Estevan parks this year, and they hope to have a few more in the future.
In an email to the Mercury, Pro-Life president and office co-ordinator Bridget Bittman said Lois Reetz, their Pro-Life Board district representative, saw the idea of a memorial bench from the provincial Choose Life magazine. The bench she brought forward was marble so the organization set about looking for a more affordable option.
The local organization came up with several simple options with a recognizable symbol and a slogan.
“These were brought before our board during our annual general meeting in June and the small feet with the heart around it and ‘Always Remembered’ (as a slogan) was the board’s choice. We felt this included all those who hurt from the loss of a child,” Bittman wrote.
Pro-Life presented its ideas to KRJ Custom Fabricating in Estevan for pricing and Randy Franke came up with what Bittman called a “wonderful, affordable” option. He put it into design for the organization, which was approved.
They then took the offer to Rod March, the parks and facilities manager for the City of Estevan, and Bittman said he liked the design.
“Because of the positive reception, I approached the board to do three as Rod had mentioned many of the parks in Estevan were in need of new benches and so we picked three parks to have our benches installed as soon as the snow is behind us and the ground is ready.”
The benches will be at Torgeson Park, the Immaculate Heart High Park and the Dennis Moore Centennial Park this year.
“We are delighted that we can provide something to the City of Estevan which can be enjoyed by all ages and hope next year, we can manufacture and install three more,” said Bittman.
The Immaculate Heart High Park was the first site chosen because of the proximity to the Churchill Playpark and Hillview Manor, as well as the popularity of the walking trail around the park and into the valley.
When they decided to add more benches, Torgeson Park was selected due to its proximity to the Estevan Comprehensive School. Bittman said they would love to install another one there for students enjoying some fresh air and perhaps eating their lunch at Torgeson. Quite a few of the existing benches need to be upgraded in that park, she said.
The third park was chosen because it has the newest splash park installed by the City and the parks manager said existing benches need to be replaced.
“We love to be able to provide some support to young families,” said Bittman.
