LONG BEACH – After much planning and a little bit of controversy along the way, the Discovery Trail has become a unique, recognizable trait of the Long Beach Peninsula oceanfront. Winding and weaving through the lively grass dunes, the 8-mile trail is an optimum source of viewing nature and wildlife, gazing at the turbulent seas, catching a glimpse at the newest waterfront developments and serves as an excellent source of outdoor exercise.

On any given day, joggers, rollerbladers, bicyclists, dog-walkers, skateboarders and casual strollers can be spotted jaunting through the dunes and taking in the ocean air. Also available for the public’s delight are newly added memorial benches, which make for a convenient place to stop for a rest.

While the benches currently seem few and far between if one were to go for a stroll on the trail right now, the end goal is to have a wooden or concrete bench installed every 1/8 mile. And for those interested in donating a bench, there are three still available to sponsor – one of which would serve as a “Welcome to the Discovery Trail” bench at 16th Avenue North, the only bench to face away from the ocean. According to project coordinator Lon Stanley, the 16th Avenue bench is incredibly important to the trail project and could memorialize the bench’s donator for years to come.

Currently, four benches have been placed along the trail at The Breakers, across from the dolphin statue south of Sid Snyder Drive, Bolstad Avenue and 17th Street South. Two are pending placement due to city legalities.

Measuring 72 inches by 25 inches by 33 inches, each bench made by Wausau Tile is built to seat three to four people and is available in several shades of gray and brown. Each bench with three lines of engraving is quoted to cost $1,324.

For more information about purchasing decorative benches for the Discovery Trail, call Lon Stanley at 642-3424.