This past Wednesday’s edition of The Fountain Hills Times had an article regarding the condition of some of the benches in Fountain Park.

The Community Services Director said they need to find out if the original donors are interested in replacing the bench. Yes, the original owner will have to replace the bench because the town isn’t able to maintain the bench (guess not budgeted). Individuals donated them in memory of their loved ones, in hopes of seeing their names forever.

Well, guess that isn’t true unless the original owner pays more money. I have never heard of such a thing of the person who donated having to donate again or the item they selected will be removed and replaced for another donation by someone else. So, if anyone is thinking of donating something in memory of their loved one, you need to ask “how long will my item stay around?”

If the benches or any donated item are not going to be maintained by the Town, then they shouldn’t be placed anywhere in town. Or, is the town considering accepting donated items with a term limit date so they’re not kept forever and maintained by the Town and the donors are aware before the donation is made of this policy?