Bench Project

Cacapon Resort State Park consists of 6,000 spectacular acres with stunning views in all directions and in all seasons. In addition to the welcoming indoor spaces found in the lodge, cabins and Nature Center, the park really shows off its natural beauty in its expansive outdoor spaces with its upper and lower lakes, miles of incredible mountain biking/hiking trails, numerous picnic areas, a playground, and soon-to-open dog park. Can’t you just picture a bench in one of these special places to commemorate a loved one or event? Just imagine the delight of sitting on your bench and having an extraordinary view of any of these great vistas!

So Why a Bench Project?

Great question-and we’re happy to answer. Many visitors to Cacapon have a long history with the park including family reunions, countless childhood adventures, weddings-so many happy memories! As a result, we have been asked numerous times over the years if a commemorative bench could be purchased at Cacapon. The connection between the requests for commemorative benches and the park’s ever-increasing need for benches has become clearer every day. And so, our bench project was born. How long will it last? The park administrators have determined that 50 benches will fill the need here at Cacapon and then the project will end. Now you know the “what” of this project…the “why” is up to you.

What Makes This Bench Special?

Aahh-they are special for many reasons: they are 4’ long, eco-friendly because they are made from recycled plastic (as a bonus, these benches have been tested and bears don’t nibble on them as they do others-it’s true!). They are made in the USA, weigh 87 lbs., are maintenance free, attractive and durable enough for all the seasons at Cacapon. But what makes them really special are your very own words that will be inscribed with raised letters on a solid bronze plaque that will be affixed to the bench. Those words, your memories, the bench and the plaque will remain in your selected spot at Cacapon for decades.

Where in the Park can I place a bench?

A number of areas in the park have been identified by park administrators as being in particular need of benches. These areas are where folks tend to gather and would welcome a comfy bench: upper lake (reservoir area), picnic areas (in the vicinity of the gazebo), playground, and dog park. The way this works is that you would identify your spot and we will do our very best to make it happen with the approval of our park superintendents according to the needs of Cacapon. We all will work very hard to make your perfect spot, our perfect spot.

Should I Be Afraid To Ask How Much? When can I sit on the bench?

To be honest, we really struggled with this part. We did a LOT of research and found that municipalities with similar bench projects in surrounding states have a lot of variation in their prices, some being as high as $5,000. The cost for a commemorative bench at Cacapon State Park is $1500. This covers everything-the bench, bronze plaque and installation- and will remain in place along with your words and memories in beautiful Cacapon State Park for decades to come. And if you’d like-you are most welcome to be there when it is set in place!

What are the Steps? ‘Is there a form for that’?

We really try to keep things simple. But yes, like everywhere else, we have forms too. You can find the order form on our website or Facebook page. You can submit the form and payment through our website or print it out and mail it with a check. All of the addresses are below. When we receive your order, we will be in touch with you right away to let you know we have received it and explain the next step which will be our sending you the form for creating your plaque inscription. We will be in touch with you every step of the way. It is difficult to tell you exactly how long it takes from order to installation-so much depends on busy/slow seasons, pandemics, weather-you get it-but we’ll certainly not drag things on our end… Best guess is 2-3 months.

Now for all the ways to reach us:

Cacapon Resort State Park Foundation

Att: Commemorative Bench Project

818 Cacapon Lodge Road

Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

Email: benchproject@crspf.org