Park and Recreation staff recently unveiled a new amenity in Longview Park. A park bench was donated by Josh’s Benches for Awareness, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and promoting resources for suicide prevention. The bright yellow bench was installed in upper Longview Park that includes a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number and message “There is help available.” The bench was placed in memory of Josh Nadelbach. His mother, Cindy formed a non-profit to help make sure no one else would go through such a tragic loss. Their non-profit vision is to work alongside organizations nationwide to help those with internal struggles receive the help they need, to help end the epidemic that has been created from depression and anxiety, and to leave a legacy of helping others feel better, in the name of Joshua Nadelbach. Cindy’s goal is to have a bench in all 50 states.  

            “Health and wellness are core values of Rock Island Parks and Recreation and parks are often a place people visit to feel better or to escape daily stress. This bench will help serve as a place to rest or talk with someone while getting valuable resource information,” says Director, John Gripp. 

            You can find out more about Josh’s Benches for Awareness by visiting www.joshsbenches.com.  

Watch the Parks and Recreation new bench unveiling on YouTube.