Benches popping up across the city

Sue Bish, the "Bench Queen," sits on one of the new signature city benches.

Visitors to the Madison City Hall and Police Department now have a place to take a load off, as new signature benches have been placed in front of the complex and across the city.

The new benches, which feature a signature “M”, are a project by the Madison Beautification and Tree Board.

“We decided it would be kind of cool to have our own signature benches,” said Sue Bish, the beautification board treasurer.

Bish, who is known as the “Bench Queen,” spearheaded the effort after attending a city charette two years ago.

After trees were removed in front of city hall, Bish said it left a void and something was needed to accompany the new flowerbeds.

“It just looked kind of bland,” Bish said.  “Now, people have somewhere to sit.”

Four benches have been placed in front of city hall, and three more were placed along the Mill Creek Greenway.

Bish began the effort in February, and the board began placing benches two weeks ago.

The black iron benches are powder coated, and are relatively maintenance free. Because they are made of 100 percent iron, Bish said they are expected to last at least 100 years.

The benches also feature a mold of a knockout rose on the top corners to tie in with the city’s official flower.

“It’s a bench that really stands out,” Bish said.

Several other organizations have ordered benches, and Bish said she has been in talks with Huntsville Hospital administrators about placing benches at the new Madison Hospital.

Bish said she hopes others will follow suit so that the benches will be accessible across the entire city.

“It will make the city more cohesive,” Bish said.