ADRIAN — A simple request has turned into lasting change at Parrish Park. Through strong community collaboration, benches were installed at the Adrian playground to give parents a place to rest while watching their children.
The project began after a resident voiced the need for seating at the park. Ben Negron, an Adrian resident and community advocate, took the lead. He and his wife, Connie Negron, offered financial support through their Hola Fund and began contacting local partners.
In just a few days, support came together from multiple directions — residents, city officials, local service organizations, and small businesses — all focused on a shared goal.
Three benches were installed and cemented into place before late July. Their layout was designed to provide full visibility of both the splash pad and play areas. According to organizers, the goal was to offer comfort and safety for parents without sacrificing space for children to play.
Negron worked with City of Adrian staff and neighbors, including Jeremiah Davies, Tom Neal, and Adrian City Commissioner Bob Benke. Concrete forming was handled by Chris Knorr of Rick’s Custom Concrete, with excavation completed by A-J Brady Underground.
“These contributions go beyond physical improvements to a single park; they represent the power of partnership between the City and its residents,” said Jeremiah Davies, Director of Parks &Recreation. “We are deeply grateful to these community members and organizations for their investment in Adrian’s future.”
Commisioner Benke is a longtime public servant in Adrian, having served as a superintendent and city commissioner. Volunteers from Rotary also helped secure the benches.
Organizers say the project demonstrates how quickly small improvements can happen when people work together. What began as a single suggestion became a successful effort involving six different groups — and a permanent upgrade for a local park.