Westfield OKs $130K Bench Overhaul at Mindowaskin Park

The Westfield Town Council approved a resolution on August 11, 2026, to purchase replacement slats for all 65 benches in Mindowaskin Park, at a cost not to exceed $130,675. The Department of Public Works will carry out the slat replacement project, addressing significant deterioration in the park's seating infrastructure and ensuring continued usability of a major community gathering space.

Union County Life covers Westfield municipal government, public works, and park maintenance across all 21 Union County municipalities.

Project Scope and Deterioration

Mayor Jeremy Berman described the scope of the deterioration problem and the town's decision to assume direct maintenance responsibility. "Many of these benches have deteriorated significantly over time and are in need of repair," Berman said. "While their maintenance historically has been handled by the Friends of Mindowaskin Park, the Town is stepping in to ensure the project gets done, and will assume all park maintenance going forward."

The transition from volunteer organization maintenance to municipal responsibility reflects a shift in the town's parks management strategy and commitment to ongoing infrastructure maintenance.

Material Selection and Maintenance

Town Administrator Jim Gildea explained the material choice for the replacement slats. "This will be a composite material, which the Friends of Mindowaskin had already started using," Gildea said. "Much easier to maintain, power wash clean, and it doesn't deteriorate as natural wood."

The original slats were made from teak wood, a material that required more intensive maintenance and deteriorated over time. The switch to composite material represents a practical decision balancing durability, maintenance requirements, and long-term cost efficiency.

Composite materials offer weather resistance and reduced upkeep compared to natural wood, making them suitable for public outdoor furniture subjected to seasonal weather and frequent use.

Missing Benches

Gildea also noted that three benches are no longer in place at the park. "There's also three benches in the park that are missing over the years due to tree branches and so forth," he said. "We'll be replacing those three, as well."

The restoration project will address not only deteriorated benches but also replace three missing benches, restoring full seating capacity to the park.

Funding Strategy and Grant Application

The Town of Westfield is applying for a grant from Union County's Kids Recreation Trust Fund. If awarded, the grant could cover half the cost of the bench restoration project, reducing the municipal expense and leveraging county funding for park infrastructure investment.

The grant application represents a strategy to maximize funding efficiency and reduce the burden on the town's general budget while completing necessary park maintenance.

Project Timeline and Implementation

The Department of Public Works will oversee bench slat replacement and the installation of three replacement benches. The project timeline is not specified, but implementation will proceed following council approval and material procurement.

Mindowaskin Park and Community Use

Mindowaskin Park is a major community gathering space in Westfield, serving families, recreation groups, and residents seeking outdoor recreation and socializing. Park infrastructure maintenance directly impacts community use and accessibility of public spaces.

The bench restoration project demonstrates the town's commitment to maintaining park facilities and ensuring continued quality of life for residents.

Park Infrastructure Investment

The $130,675 investment in bench restoration represents a significant commitment to park infrastructure maintenance. The project aligns with the town's broader park management strategy and addresses deferred maintenance in the community's public recreational spaces.

Find more Westfield municipal news, public works, and park maintenance on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the Westfield bench restoration project?
A: Westfield is restoring 65 benches and replacing 3 missing benches in Mindowaskin Park. Council approved the $130,675 project on August 11, 2026.

Q: Why are the benches being replaced?
A: Original teak wood slats have deteriorated significantly over time. Replacement composite material is more durable and easier to maintain.

Q: How much will the project cost?
A: Maximum $130,675. The town is applying for a Union County Kids Recreation Trust Fund grant that could cover 50% of the cost if awarded.

Q: Who will do the work?
A: Westfield's Department of Public Works will carry out the bench slat replacement and installation.

Q: How many benches are being restored?
A: 65 benches will receive new composite slats, and 3 missing benches will be replaced.

Q: What is the new bench material?
A: Composite material. It's more durable than the original teak wood and easier to maintain with power-washing.

Q: Why is composite material being used?
A: Composite material is weather-resistant, requires less maintenance than natural wood, and doesn't deteriorate like teak.

Q: Has Westfield applied for grant funding?
A: Yes. The town is applying for a Union County Kids Recreation Trust Fund grant that could cover 50% of the project cost.

Q: Who has maintained the benches in the past?
A: The Friends of Mindowaskin Park, a volunteer group, handled maintenance historically. The town is now assuming responsibility for all park maintenance.