Memorial Benches May Be Placed along Rail Trail

Walkers and joggers on in Hellertown may soon have a few places to sit, catch their breath, share a conversation or simply watch the world go by.

That's because benches donated in memory of local residents' loved ones have been approved for placement along the trail by Hellertown Borough Council.

At council's June 20 meeting, Director of Public Works Tom Henshaw said he had recently fielded several requests from citizens interested in memorializing their friends or family members with a bench.

He said he thinks benches along the trail will be appreciated by the many area residents who use it for recreational purposes, just as they are in the borough's parks.

"Along the trail would be great to have places to sit," he said. "People would really enjoy that."

Henshaw said the benches he has in mind would be made of metal and anchored securely to the ground.

A council motion to allow placement of the benches along the trail was approved unanimously.

During his update to council, Henshaw also said he believes additional portable toilets are needed near the trail, due to the number of users it has attracted.