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Hecla Mining to donate three solar charging benches at McEuen plaza, city staff say
Summary
City staff said Hecla Mining will purchase three solar-powered picnic benches for McEuen plaza under an MOU that will outline maintenance; Hecla requested small interpretive signage noting local silver history and links to solar technology.
City staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission on June 15 that Hecla Mining will purchase and donate three solar-powered picnic benches with charging ports to be placed in the McEuen plaza area.
"Hecla is actually going to purchase three of these," Adam Curico said, describing a picnic‑bench design with solar panels overhead and outlets at the base for device charging. Curico said the city is drafting a memorandum of understanding that will specify maintenance responsibilities; Hecla asked to include modest interpretive signage about Hecla's local history and the relationship of silver to solar energy.
Curico said the benches would add seating and encourage plaza use in the otherwise open concrete area near the boat launch and Harbor House; staff intend to locate the units where they are visible and reasonably close to existing walkways. Commission discussion noted the amenities could provide shade, charging for users who buy food at nearby vendors and an alternative to larger structural shade elements that were not funded during the McEuen Park construction.
Staff characterized the donation as a city gift requiring an MOU to cover maintenance, and said they will return with placement plans and the MOU if the arrangement is finalized.
