Update on Memorial Bench for Bill Donels
First of all, thank you to all who supported this project! To those who assisted by making a donation to the fundraiser to purchase and install a bench along the Sangamon Valley Bike Trail to celebrate and honor the life of Bill Donels, a huge THANK YOU . Your generosity has made this project possible and it is now close to completion We are humbled by the generosity of the many donors and would like to give you an update on Bill's memorial.
Location. The bench will be located at the Northeast corner on the first intersection of the Sangamon Valley Trail (SVT) north of the Centennial Park Trailhead. The trailhead is on Bunker Hill Road just west of Centennial Park. The first intersection there, where the bench is being installed, is not actually a road but a path between the new dog park and the new park on the west side of the SVT. It is accessible off Lenhart Road just north of Bunker Hill - there is a gravel road and a sign for the dog park. Continue past the dog park to the west parking lot and the SVT is right there.
Installation. The pad for the bench has been poured. The bench is in the Sangamon County warehouse, and will be installed soon, along with a unique bike rack to hold bicycles while riders rest.
Celebration of Life - August 28. The Donels family has decided to gather in Springfield for Bill's memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church on August 28. They anticipate the church service at 11 AM and a reception there to follow - the bench dedication will happen in the early to mid-afternoon on that day. As the time approaches, we can become more specific with the times.
Coordinating Agencies. The bench has been sponsored by the Springfield Bicycle Club and the Springfield Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Council who have collaborated with Sangamon County and the Springfield Park District for the installation. Members of the Westminster Presbyterian Church along with these other organizations have donated to the project.