Anti-vandal and durable: «Mykolaiv parks» explained the cost of new benches in Mykolaiv

«Mykolaiv Parks» explained why the benches installed in Mykolaiv are more expensive than similar looking models in online stores. They note that the difference in price is due to the use of higher quality and more durable materials.

This was the response of the utility company to the Mykolaiv City Hall, which was told NikVesti.

As explained by the utility, instead of natural wood, the seats and backs of the benches are made of wood-like facade panels, which are resistant to moisture, UV and temperature changes. This material does not require annual maintenance, does not rot or crack, and therefore has a much longer service life.

They also explained that the metal frame of the benches is painted with powder paint, which provides reliable protection against corrosion and wear. It is noted that this technology is more expensive than standard painting, but it guarantees the stability of the structure in outdoor conditions.

The company also notes that similar benches installed in Mykolaiv three years ago are still in good condition and have not required any repairs. On the contrary, wooden structures require regular sanding, painting or impregnation with protective materials.

As a reminder, the municipal enterprise «Mykolaiv Parks» manufactured and installed 79 new benches throughout the city during the year. The old ones were dismantled and reinstalled.

The new benches were manufactured by the utility company. For this purpose, materials worth approximately 3.06 million hryvnias were purchased, taking into account that some amounts are indicated with and some without VAT. In total, we purchased

• fasteners — 23,775.84 hryvnias (including VAT);
• metal frame — 386,914.35 hryvnias (excluding VAT);
• side facades of benches — 1,447,280 hryvnias (excluding VAT);
• lamellas — 1,206,330 hryvnias (excluding VAT).

According to estimates by «Mykolaiv Parks», the cost of materials for the manufacture of one bench is about 38,700 hryvnias, excluding labour costs.

Back in 2023, the mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkevych, announced the installation of the first such «anti-vandal» benches on the boulevard along Tsentralnyi Avenue in a test mode. At the time, the mayor noted that the city was considering various options for urban furniture as part of its post-destruction reconstruction programme. According to him, one bench was installed with a backrest and the other without to test their comfort and practicality for further use in the city.

Earlier, the Secretary of Mykolaiv City Council, Dmytro Falko, emphasised the need to use city funds economically. In an interview with «March», he noted that the city's budget is limited, so every expenditure must be justified, as allocating funds to one area means cutting funding in another. He expressed this opinion when speaking against free travel on public transport in the city.

Also, read the article NikVesti «How did the municipal enterprise Parks green Mykolaiv during the war?».