Election Section

The true traveler is he who goes on foot, and even then, he sits down a lot of the time.  

—Colette, Paris From My Window, 1944 

Exploring local footways, the members of the Berkeley Path Wanderers Association (BPWA) have found many occasions to bless the generous neighbors who offer seating to passers-by. A rest is welcome whether the walker is puffing up a hill, stopping to admire a view or enjoy the sun, or headed home from store or bus. 

And since this is Berkeley, there are plenty of occasions to admire craft and imagination. Berkeley benches come in myriad shapes and styles, from rustic logs to starkly sculptural concrete to simple slats backed by a stunning mural. Using the same inexpensive, “store bought” bench, one neighbor surrounds it with flowers, while another provides a small fountain complete with dog bowl. 

Motivations, too, are many. Sculptures support a memorial bench at 1328 Walnut St. Uplands residents have placed two benches honoring living neighbors. Benches at M.L. King School Park, Berryman Path at Live Oak Park, and Atlas Path were placed by neighborhood and community groups, supported by the Berkeley Parks mini-grant program. 

BPWA is collecting bench photos on its website, www.berkeleypaths.org. Take a look. Or better, explore on foot for yourself. 

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