Borlänge municipality is installing 200 new park benches at a total cost of 5.2 million kronor. The decision stems from citizen proposals and dialogue with pensioner and disability councils.
Each bench costs 11 000 kronor to purchase. Including groundwork and installation the price reaches 26 000 kronor per bench. The steel benches are expected to last 30 years.
Municipal executive board chairman Erik Nises (S) defends the expense. He states that the quality justifies the cost when measured against daily benefits for residents.
Work begins this summer with the first 50 benches. The remaining 150 will be placed during autumn 2026. Additional benches are scheduled for several localities in 2027.