New benches installed in Pine Hill Park’s Pinecone Adventure Forest

Come Alive Outside and Rutland Recreation and Parks have completed the installation of three new wooden benches along the popular Georgetti Trails, both lower and upper, according to a news release Tuesday, Aug. 6. “These benches provide much-needed spots for residents and visitors to rest, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the park,” the organizations stated.

In 2021, a community survey was conducted by Come Alive Outside, a non-profit that connects communities to nature, to understand what keeps people from spending time outdoors. One of the top barriers for people in our community was the lack of outdoor seating for those with mobility issues and young children who need a place to rest. Based on this feedback, Come Alive Outside and partners took action to address the need.

Myra Peffer, founder of Wonderfeet Kids Museum and former director of Come Alive Outside, was a key force behind this project. As one of the original creators of the Pinecone Adventure Forest and the book path along the trail, she aimed to make this unique and interactive green space more accessible. With grants from the Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark program and support from the Outdoor Gear Exchange, Peffer was able to secure funding to build three benches for the Georgetti trails. She also collaborated with chainsaw artist Peter Auchmoody to create a special storytelling bench designed to inspire stories across generations.

“This project was truly a community effort,” the organizations stated in the news release.

The Mint crafted two of the benches, while Pine Hill Trust, the Rutland Recreation Center, and Come Alive Outside worked together to install the benches. Earlier this summer, students from Rutland High School’s YES program gave the entire Pinecone Adventure Forest a makeover and replaced damaged story walk items, thanks to a donation from the Rutland Free Library.

The new benches at Pine Hill Park are dedicated to three champions of Come Alive Outside: Andy Paluch, Russ Marsan, and Myra Peffer.

With fresh paint, new benches, and 12 interactive play stations, Pinecone Adventure Forest is ready for visitors.