Leadership Park City Class 31 launches “Belonging Benches” to foster connection

Leadership Park City Class 31’s new Belonging Benches, made from repurposed chairlifts and painted bright blue, serve as a reminder to connect with others. Photo: Leadership Park City

PARK CITY, Utah — Leadership Park City Class 31 has unveiled its class project, Belonging Benches, a community initiative designed to foster connections across the greater Park City area.

The bright blue benches are crafted from chairlifts donated by Park City Mountain and Vail Resorts EpicPromise and are designed to serve as visible reminders to slow down, say hello, and connect. Each bench features a plaque with a conversation starter.

“In a world that often feels divisive and isolating, we want to create a welcoming and compassionate community where anyone who works, lives, or visits here feels valued and connected,” said Makaela Herran, Class 31 participant and project co-lead.

The first three benches have been sponsored by Park City Mountain, Vail Resorts’ EpicPromise, Caren Bell of Kept Current, and Black Diamond Gymnastics. A fourth bench has been constructed, and the group is now seeking sponsors and donors to finalize and install it.

The project was inspired by similar initiatives worldwide and reflects Park City’s long-standing culture of inclusion. It also aligns with existing local efforts, including the Park City Chamber’s Mountainkind message, the Park City School District’s “We All Belong” campaign, and the Park City Community Foundation’s Community Belonging Fund.

“We are lucky to be in an area that values kindness, belonging, and a sense of community,” said Susan Odell, who is co-leading the project. “The benches are meant to build on the existing work of other local organizations and remind us to connect with one another on a human level.”

Class 31, made up of 37 local leaders from a range of sectors, also partnered with Mountain Mediation during the Kept Kind weekend to host a community training centered on building dialogue and connection.

The group is inviting public agencies, local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals to support or host a Belonging Bench. Those interested can reach out at ParkCityBelongingBenches@gmail.com or donate through the project’s GoFundMe page.

Leadership Park City, a program of Park City Municipal Corporation, provides a year-long curriculum to equip participants with skills, confidence, and connections to make a civic impact through immersive leadership training.