Port of Bremerton accepts donated memorial bench for Port Orchard Marina Park

The Port of Bremerton Commission on Jan. 14 approved acceptance of a donated six-foot metal memorial bench from the South Kitsap Rotary for installation at Port Orchard Marina Park and authorized the CEO to execute a donation agreement.

The bench will be placed adjacent to the park playground near the gazebo and will include a dedication plaque reading, "Peace is yours. Remembrance is ours. In loving memory of Harold B. Robinson, husband, father and Papa, 03/14/1950 to 02/04/2024," according to Mark Burner, a Port Orchard city councilman and South Kitsap Rotary board member. "This bench was purchased by Mrs. Robinson and her husband," Burner said, describing why the couple requested that location.

Commissioners and staff discussed ensuring uniformity of benches and plaque wording along the waterfront path and raised questions about who would install and maintain the bench over time. James Weaver, Port staff, said the donation would become Port property and that the Port identified a 20-year expected lifespan for the bench; the Port's maintenance crew would absorb upkeep as part of regular maintenance. "The bench becomes the property of the Port," Weaver said, adding that maintenance responsibilities were part of the agreement.

Several commissioners praised the Rotary's fundraising and the memorial program. Commissioners also urged development of a formal policy to guide future memorial bench requests, to address plaque content and limits on the number and placement of benches. One commissioner said communities sometimes allow advertising on benches and that clarity on content and approval processes would prevent disputes.

The motion to accept the donation passed unanimously. Commissioners voting "yes" on the record were Commissioner Boseman, Commissioner Anderson and Commissioner Schenkeljohn. The board recorded the action as approval of the donation and authorization for the CEO to sign the donation agreement.

The Port noted the bench matches existing waterfront bench styles, including matching color schemes and similar end caps bearing the Rotary insignia. Staff said the Port recently took over Lots 3 and 4 from the city and identified future waterfront redevelopment and boardwalk work as likely locations for additional benches through partnerships with groups such as Rotary.

The Port also noted the Rotary has already placed 10 benches along the waterfront through a similar program that began in 2020 and that upgrades to other park benches (Ed Turner Park) are planned.

The donation agreement and installation plan will be executed by the CEO as authorized by the commission. No additional financial appropriation from the Port was reported; the bench itself is donated by the Rotary.