Sitting on a bench and watching the world go by is a summer pleasure—except when the bench is old and rickety, perhaps with splintering wood. If you’ve watched as some public benches in town have disappeared in the past five years, their poor condition was the reason. Now, thanks to generous donors, safe replacements are returning to grace the town’s streets and parks.

The town’s Economic Development Commission is spearheading the program to bring back the benches.

The new replacement is a classic design made of ipe wood with cast iron supports. According to Susie Beckman, the town’s economic development director, the lifespan of each of these new benches should be 30 years.

“Over the last five years, benches that lined Main Street and other areas of town had to be removed due to their deteriorating conditions. These [new] benches are a worthy investment that will serve the community for a generation. Each bench costs $1,250. Bronze plaques with an inscription can be recessed into the backrest of the bench for an additional $275,” said Beckman.

So far, donations from individuals and organizations have supported the installation of five new benches. Those donating so far include the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, the Old Saybrook Lions Club, Tony Izzo, In Honor of Marta and Erik Larsson, and In Honor of Angus McDonald, Sr. (shown in the accompanying photo in its place on the Town Green).

The Town of Old Saybrook also has committed some funds to purchase several benches this fall.

Any individual or organization interested in purchasing a bench can contact Susie Beckman at Town Hall at 860-395-3139.