New Benches Downtown

TYLER — Smith County finished installing new benches at the T.B. Butler Fountain Square (Tyler Downtown Square) just in time for families to gather and watch Thursday night’s Christmas parade. Officials say the new benches are sturdier and more durable than the aging wooden benches removed from the park several months ago. They are also specially designed to allow for Square patrons to sit, but discourage sleeping. According to a news release, Smith County worked with the Heart of Tyler to find benches that were a better fit both functionally and aesthetically for the Downtown Tyler area. The previous wooden benches were originally removed for repairs by Smith County. But according to officials, they were in poor condition and it became more cost-effective to replace them with sturdier, long-term seating.