Reflections of Excelsior Commons
I recently found myself in downtown Excelsior for an event and, afterwards, I decided to enjoy a stroll along the shoreline in the Commons park. This walk isn’t a new one for me and, as a matter of fact, it’s something I’ll do quite often. When I walk the Commons, I typically find myself entranced by shimmering water, boats, and the tree’s shade dancing on grasses underfoot.
Yet, as I took in the quiet stillness that comes with winter’s chilled touch, this walk felt markedly different. It was 14 degrees and cloudy, like many January days tend to be and, under the conditions, I found myself drawn to a wholly understated feature present along my walk. One that, for some reason, I had never taken the time to pay much mind to yet was always aware of:
The small memorial plaques placed on nearly every bench in the Excelsior Commons. My walk started from the beach, went along the shoreline, and ended near Water Street. Along this segment of shore there are no less than 26 benches, each of them being commemorated to an individual or individuals. Some are donated by family, while others were donated by organizations, communities, and even a few grieving parents.
Memorial benches are not at all unique to Excelsior, so why did these stand out? Perhaps it was because, for the first time, my gaze wasn’t inherently set on the lake scene. Roughly half of the memorials make specific mention to the deceased’s love for Lake Minnetonka and, oftentimes, the connection to the particular spot where their bench resides. So, taking note of the first few, I carried on my way. I walked, stopped, read, pondered, and strolled toward the next bench. By the time I’d finally made it to Water Street, an hour had gone by. Turning back, I looked along the shoreline at the line of memorials, each quietly sitting alone with no one tending to them. In the good old summertime they’re scarcely without visitors but in this moment, and from my vantage, there was nary a soul to be seen.
It was then that the thought crossed my mind: There is a lineage of those who had come before us, who stood in the same spot, appreciated the same beauty, and felt so deeply connected to it that their loved ones wanted to memorialize them right there. For most, the location is intentioned and significant. As a lifelong lake resident, I recognized a small handful of names and remembered what impact they left behind in the community.
There may be no deeper connection to the human element than taking a moment to pause, gaze upon a landscape, and bear witness to time immortal. Looking back, the outstretched and guiding hand of those who came before. Looking forward we might see those who will one day bask in the same scene and, in a moment of reflection, while standing in the same spot, look back at us with thoughtful remembrance. The former has already been determined while the latter, thankfully, is well within the grasp of each citizen to attain and alter for the better. If a bench is what remains, what kind of person do we want to take a seat and appreciate the fruits of what all we’ve done?
The photos in this article’s gallery are just a small selection of the plaques on the benches along the shoreline of the Excelsior Commons. There are many more further inland that reflect similar sentiments.
