Completing these concrete benches turned out to be more time consuming and more expensive than I had originally anticipated. The grant money was put to very good use. I also had more volunteer help than I had hoped for, so that was very good. Hopefully the community will benefit for years to come.
Build Park Benches to Encourage Use of Public Transportation
Submitted by Jenoskay1 on Sat, 09/27/2008 - 10:03
the problem:
The purpose of my project is to create benches for use along a busy local road with bus stops. I first thought that something should be done when I saw people standing around waiting for the bus. They were also sitting on the ground or on egg crates. I think that building concrete benches could be a tremendous help to those people that take the bus to get to work, school, or any other reason. It can especially help those who may have back problems or the elderly and so on. If people are uncomfortable, they may choose not to use public transportation which impacts our environment.
vital stats:
people impacted:
500people involved:
15why it's important:
I believe that if people are comfortable using public transportation, that they will drive less, causing less pollution in our air, and the environment in general. If I build these benches maybe more people will begin using public transportation.
the plan of action:
First, I contact a local Vo-Tech school, and they agreed to lend me their molds for making concrete benches. Then I contact a local concrete company, and they agreed to donate the concrete and help me pour the molds. I found a warehouse to build the benches, and have friends available to help me create and transport the benches to the final locations. I have not gotten the cedar wood donated yet, but may solicit businesses where these benches will be located to ask for assistance. I may also look to outside sponsorship, which would include a plaque on the bench they sponsor. I am currently working with my local township manager to get the legal OK to proceed. He has assured me that he will find good homes for my benches. I expect this project to take about 120 total service hours. I can only hope that the impact of this will be a growing public transportation ridership, and even though this is just a baby step, I hope this helps our environment.
how you can get involved:
I am creating a project report that would allow anyone else interested to use as a guide to building concrete benches themselves.
project updates:
01/24/2009
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Comments
I like your project because it serves a good purpose and can encourage more people to use public transport.
The Mason Neck Lions Club in Lorton, Virginia would like to build and install park benches at bus stops where no benches are available.
Where can I purchase the mold for casting concrete benches? I searched the internet but could not locate a source for the molds to cast the bench supports.
Thank you for your assistance.
Lion Joe Chudzik