Garden commission recommends sponsored redwood-topped picnic tables to fund park seating

The Garden Village Commission on June 18 voted to recommend the purchase of wood-planked, steel-frame picnic tables for village parks and to fund them through a three-tier sponsorship program.

Commissioners settled on a table style that matches existing park furniture and favored a redwood-top option for aesthetics. Commissioners discussed estimates ranging from about $615 per table (manufacturer/unit price) plus shipping (about $100) to a higher per-table all-in estimate of roughly $850 that would include purchase and installation. The commission agreed to pursue sponsors to cover the cost rather than drawing on general taxpayer funds.

The recommendation passed after a motion to advance a formal sponsorship-backed purchase and to prepare a recommendation for the village board. The motion was seconded and approved by the commission without recorded opposition. The commission asked staff to prepare the formal paperwork for the next meeting so the recommendation could be forwarded promptly.

Village staff and commissioners outlined proposed sponsorship levels: Garden Friend ($250), Garden Supporter ($500), and Garden Champion ($850), with the top tier tied to a single picnic-table sponsorship and recognition (website/social-media listing and an engraved plaque). Commissioners discussed limiting sponsorships to one sponsor per table and applying excess interest to other sites such as benches or additional tables.

Director How said the village can support outreach and noted staff recently formed a parks sponsorship framework: “we actually just created a sponsorship through parks and rec — our marketing specialist Lily can approach businesses with a clear breakdown of benefits,” he said. Marketing specialist Lily offered to help craft outreach materials and use the village website and social media to advertise opportunities.

Next steps: staff will draft the formal recommendation and sponsorship packet for review at the commission’s next meeting and will coordinate outreach through the village’s marketing channels and local business contacts. The commission asked that the item be packet-ready so it can be forwarded to the village board without delay.