Grant City Park benches undergoing major remodeling through community-led project
BY EMMALEE PARSLEY STEVENS
GRANT TRIBUNE SENTINEL
For decades, the benches surrounding the band shell at Grant City Park have been more than just places to sit—they’ve been a gathering spot for families during summer concerts, a resting place for visitors walking through the park, and a centerpiece for community events.
Now, those benches are receiving a long-awaited face lift thanks to a youth-driven effort, generous grants, and the skilled hands of a local contractor.
The project began with an idea from Perkins County youth. In April 2024, the Perkins County Community Foundation Fund (PCCFF), with guidance from Nebraska Community Foundation staff, held a youth visioning session to hear directly from students about their hopes for the community’s future.
During that meeting, students identified two projects they felt would make a real difference. One of the top priorities was improving the city park—specifically, the aging benches in front of the band shell.
Encouraged by the students’ vision, PCCFF provided a grant to support the effort, which was matched by a youth engagement grant from an anonymous donor through the Nebraska Community Foundation. The students then met with the city manager to present their plan and prioritized bench improvements as their first step. They didn’t stop at planning—many volunteered their own time to sand the benches, showing their dedication to creating a more welcoming and enjoyable community space.
In total, 30 double benches surrounding the band shell are being remodeled. The work is being led by Danielle Koenig, owner of Koenig Craft Construction, who is overseeing the sanding, epoxy-coating, and replacement of the benches’ wooden planks with new aluminum materials. The project is expected to be completed by the end of September 2025, weather permitting.
While the city does not currently have a larger park improvement plan in place, this bench project represents a significant step forward. By replacing the deteriorating wood with aluminum planks, the new benches will be far more durable and weather-resistant. They will also receive epoxy finishing to further protect against Nebraska’s varied climate, ensuring they remain safe and sturdy for years to come.
The design of the benches will also see an update. The old benches, painted in a bright red-and-blue color scheme, will be transitioned to a more natural sand and brown finish. The softer colors are intended to blend with the park’s surroundings while providing a clean, refreshed appearance that invites people to gather and enjoy events at the band shell.
The benefits of the project will extend well beyond aesthetics. Many of the original benches had become worn down, splintered, or unstable after years of use. By replacing the wooden planks with aluminum, the city reduces future maintenance needs while ensuring that the benches remain comfortable and safe. For families, neighbors, and visitors attending concerts or festivals, the upgrade promises a more enjoyable park experience.
The total cost of the project is $15,000, funded entirely by PCCFF and the youth engagement grant. That funding also covered the painting of the band shell itself, creating a cohesive improvement to one of the park’s most prominent areas.
Looking beyond the band shell benches, the city does have additional plans for upgrades. Benches located near the tennis courts are also scheduled for remodeling with the support of donated funds and city assistance. Officials explained that the city evaluates park equipment and seating on an ongoing basis, with staff working in the parks daily to identify maintenance needs. The current priority has been shifting away from wood and toward aluminum, which significantly extends the life of benches and reduces upkeep costs.
Though the project is not part of a larger park overhaul, it highlights the importance of collaboration between community members, youth, and local organizations. From the students who dreamed it up, to the foundation grants that funded it, to the contractor bringing the vision to life, the remodeling effort represents Perkins County’s ability to turn shared ideas into lasting improvements.
Once completed, the new benches will provide a safe, attractive, and long-lasting feature at Grant City Park. More than just new seating, they symbolize a community investing in its future—led by the vision of its youth and supported by the dedication of those determined to make Perkins County a place where people want to gather, celebrate, and stay connected.