23 years ago I was in an auto accident that changed my life and robbed me of my mobility. Today, keeping ambulatory is not just my choice but a medical requirement. This simple need has become challenging in a city where public seating is a rare sight.

Healdsburg, a beautiful town filled with scenic walking paths and inviting public spaces, one of its significant oversights is the lack of benches to enjoy those spaces. As a resident coping with disability, I find that inadequate seating in outdoor spaces hinders not just my mobility but also my ability to participate in community life actively. Many in our city face similar difficulties. The demographic of Healdsburg is older, and many share concerns about the lack of seating hindering their capacity to enjoy daily walks or social outings.

Access to seating is not merely about comfort; it’s about accessibility, inclusion, and health. It’s about ensuring that our parks and paths are welcoming and accommodative to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. I've heard from numerous community members urging for this change, suggesting that more seating would let them embrace a more active and community-oriented lifestyle.

The solution starts with installing benches strategically throughout Healdsburg’s walkways and public areas. By doing so, we not only make our city more accessible for the disabled and elderly but also enrich it as a community hub, where social interactions and physical wellbeing thrive.

Let's urge the city council of Healdsburg to prioritize this essential public need. Please sign this petition to call upon our leaders to take action by installing benches. Together, we can make Healdsburg a more inclusive and enjoyable place for everyone.