By: Rose Divecha
A few months back, on a walk through Bayfront Park, I noticed many of the memorial plaques around trees and on benches, were gone. With the exception of a few with tamper-proof screws, most of the little metal signs paying tribute to departed loved ones had been removed. All that was left was glue and empty spaces.
On a daily basis, I walked past the sad sights, one after another, until the realization hit me, perhaps city officials were unaware of the missing signs. I assumed they had been stolen and sold for scrap, but maybe just maybe, there was another viable reason for their removal. Hoping my cynicism might be disproved, I reached out to City Hall. Unfortunately, my suspicions were correct.
Ward 2 staff confirmed, “parks staff have been working on getting them replaced in a replica plastic.”
Traditionally, metal symbolizes longevity, peace and everlasting love, and while I am uncertain of the City’s rationale behind choosing a synthetic material, I do understand the risk of replacing them with metal only to be potentially stolen again. However, I wonder how plastic will withstand sun, snow and possible vandalism and more importantly, I wonder how those individuals who purchased metal plaques feel about their low cost replacements, especially when tamper-proof options are available and have proven effective.
