Every Empty Park Bench Has a Story

Every Empty Park Bench Has a Story

William “Judge” Shue lived for years in Marlboro Estates and was a regular visitor of Fort Ward Park. He enjoyed regular walks in the park as a way to keep fit and keep in contact with other park users.  Although he once received a “Presidential Sports Award” for Fitness Walking in his later years he and his dog Benjy would often walk into the park and sit on the bench near the rifle trench.  For those who knew the Judge the bench is a reminder of one of the many friends of Fort Ward.

In April 2009 Bonnie Alter wrote an article for “Treehugger” entitled “Every Empty Park Bench Has a Story”.   She wrote, 

“How many times have you passed an empty park bench, sat down and pondered the world's, or your own, problems. And maybe wondered about the cryptic plaque on the back that tells a small but unknown story”.

Whether it is a personal memory or a donor’s plaque Fort Ward’s benches are places to rest, relax, reflect on natural and cultural history, share time with others, watch children play, or escape Alexandria’s ever-increasing urbanization.  As the Fort Ward Park & Museum Advisory Group continues its management planning work with a soon-to-be-hired consultant there may be an opportunity to look at existing and future park benches, learn their stories, and use them to enjoy Fort Ward.