Rehoboth Avenue benches are back

A little more than three weeks after removing Rehoboth’s iconic white benches from the Boardwalk and the Avenue – and just in time for Memorial Day weekend – Rehoboth Beach has begun putting the benches back Rehoboth Avenue. 

Krys Johnson, city spokesperson, said the street department will place some benches on Rehoboth Avenue over the next few days. This will be helpful for visitors over the holiday weekend, she said, in an email May 19.

The benches were removed citywide April 27.

“After careful consideration, this decision was made to ensure we are taking all steps possible to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Paul Kuhns, in a prepared statement at the time. “By removing access to benches that invite multiple touches and close personal contact, we are in a better position to combat the spread of coronavirus.”

It’s unclear when all the benches, including the ones for the Boardwalk, will be put back. The city’s reopening plan does have a timeline to gradually replace benches on the Boardwalk, but for now, the Boardwalk is open only for exercise, said Johnson.

“We will continue to monitor when appropriate to place more benches citywide according to the city’s reopening plan,” said Johnson, adding that the benches will be cleaned multiple times per day.