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United Methodist Church asks Columbia City park board to consider 'blessing box'; board raises location and maintenance concerns
Summary
A church volunteer asked to place a large 'blessing box' stocked with hygiene and household items in a public location; the board discussed visibility, potential to attract transient use, surveillance and who would maintain it and agreed to scout sites with the requester before deciding.
Staff member presented an email and photograph from Vicky Jones of the United Methodist Church proposing installation of a "blessing box" to provide items not distributed by SNAP or the food bank, such as hygiene products and household basics.
The staff member relayed that the church's box at its building is refilled "2 to 3 times a week," and said the church asked whether the board could allow placement in a park. Board members questioned whether such a box would draw transient populations to parks, who would be responsible for maintenance, and whether cameras or visible locations would reduce vandalism.
Chair and other members suggested candidate locations including Eagle Park, the trailhead near Kenny Wright, and the pocket park near Shoe's and Moore, but several members noted the pocket parks are not park board property. The clerk asked whether the church would provide a frame or whether the board would need to pour a small pad for a permanent mount. Staff said she would call Vicky Jones and drive potential locations with a board member so the board could decide at a later date.
The board did not authorize placement at the Jan. 26 meeting and instead agreed to defer action until after a site visit and additional information on maintenance responsibilities.
