Knowing my interest in public art, my sister Jean alerted me to artistic new benches in her hometown of Tinley Park, Illinois. One after another, the pictures she texted me depicted colorful, creative, functional benches popping up all over Tinley Park.

© Jean Parker

In its 17th year, “Benches on the Avenue” runs May–October. Every year, the benches feature a different theme. Previous years’ themes included Classic TV, America the Beautiful, Toyland and other fun subjects.

“Benches on the Avenue” are not only beautiful, they are especially relevant this year because of the travel theme. Around the World is the theme this year. Tinley Park director of marketing Donna Framke stated, “The theme is selected by the marketing and shared with our marketing and branding commission.” Amateur and professional artists created works representing awesome travel destinations.

© Jean Parker

Framke continued, “A tour of Downtown Tinley’s Benches is a good way for visitors to fill their travel desires that may have otherwise been adversely affected by the Coronavirus! Visitors can travel from the Sydney Opera House and Neuschwanstein Castle to Chichén Itzá and Egypt in one afternoon!”

© Jean Parker

Framke also told me there is additional fun coming soon. Add-ons planned include a virtual game to be announced soon.

I’ll be visiting my sister this weekend. It’ll be great to finally see my family. It will also be fun to see bits of the world on my way.

— John Wroblewski, online writer