Lavallette Looking to Purchase 125 Benches: Here’s What They’ll Look Like

A P-660 outdoor bench. (Credit: Belson Outdoors)

Lavallette is seeking to purchase 125 benches to replace those that have fallen into disrepair over the years.

The borough issued a bid solicitation through its engineering consultant, Van Cleef Engineering, spelling out the specifications of the new benches. The borough is seeking to purchase a block of 125 benches, which will mostly be utilized in the bayfront area to replace timber benches that have been deteriorating due to weather and age. The borough began accepting bids March 28, and the new benches must be delivered within 60 days of a contract being awarded.

According to the bid specifications, the borough is expecting to purchase what are known as “P-660” benches, which come in a variety of colors and are made of recycled plastic material for the seating surface and metal legs that are anchored to the ground. The benches are able to accommodate memorial messages engraved into the back rest. Each bench is specified to be 6-feet in length.

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A P-660 outdoor bench. (Credit: Belson Outdoors)

A P-660 outdoor bench. (Credit: Belson Outdoors)

Specifically, the benches shall be constructed of 100 percent recycled plastic, and come in cedar color with black legs and arm rests. The benches are required to weight a minimum of 180 pounds, a major factor in the case of Lavallette, where high winds and coastal storms have proven capable of moving lightweight outdoor benches and other features. They are to be specifically designed to “withstand high winds frequent in beach environments.”

All of the benches are to be built by the same manufacturer. The totality of the technical specifications can be found online.

Lavallette has, in the past, rejected bids for benches after prices came back higher than engineers’ estimated. The new bid specifications were designed to address areas where costs have risen due to inflation.

“The bids have come in substantially above the engineer’s estimate,” said Councilwoman Joanne Filippone, who has been spearheading the town’s initiative to replace aging benches – some of which are in disrepair.

The borough plans on selling memorials to defray the cost of the benches, which will replace those at the bayfront. As it currently stands, officials have worried that the deteriorating benches near the borough gazebo and some other locations along the bayfront represent a safety hazard, as the wood can be seen rotting or cracking in some locations. Though no policy has been formally passed, officials have discussed guaranteeing those who purchase a memorial on a bench that the plaque would remain for ten years, after which it could be subject to replacement.

Lavallette’s borough council will next meet on April 15, however the agenda for that meeting has not yet been published.