Historic bench removed from Springfield park

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The city of Springfield removed a historic bench in Stearns Square, with no timeline for a return.

The Springfield Preservation Trust held a press conference in Stearns Square Park on Wednesday morning. Their goal: is to get answers on the whereabouts and condition of a beloved community bench. Despite the lack of communication from city officials, Trust President Erica Swallow is confident about the bench’s return.

“We feel that the Parks department will meet our demands. I believe that those in charge do you have the city’s interest in mind a lot of the time and we hope that that is the case here,” said Swallow.

The granite bench was constructed in 1887 along with a fountain that still stands in the park. Robert Loesche with the Metro Center Neighborhood Association how he felt the city handled the removal.

“The lack of response from Mr. Ashe, to the President of the Springfield preservation trust is improper,” said Loesche.

The director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management, Thomas Ashe, issued a statement saying, “The bench previously located in Stearns Square Park was removed due to concern for public safety. The bench had cracks and was sinking into the ground at an angle. Currently, the bench is being safely stored by our department and we are assessing pricing for repair.”

Some in the area feel that the bench may have been removed for other reasons concerning the homeless population.

“If the city or others feel that the people who gather in Stearns Square are an issue, I think they should reevaluate their values. Homelessness is an issue that Springfield faces, but the issue is not solved by desecrating historic property,” said Swallow.

No timeline for the return of the bench has been announced.

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