09/11/2026
🌲A New Place to Rest, Reflect & Enjoy Hidden Pines Park🌲
Visitors to Hidden Pines Park and the Forecastle Basin walkway now have a few new places to stop, rest, and enjoy the surroundings thanks to a generous contribution from Ocean Community Church.
Church members raised funds this summer to provide Stafford residents and visitors with places to find comfort while walking the paved pathway around Forecastle Basin. Two benches donated by Ocean Community Church, along with a third bench placed in memory of Lorraine Smith, wife of church member Don Smith, were installed this week.
The two church-donated benches feature brass plaques reading:
“OCEAN COMMUNITY CHURCH, OFFERING COMFORT TO OUR STAFFORD FAMILY OF FRIENDS.”
Mayor Henken and members of the Township Council joined Don Smith, Pastor Phil, and members of Ocean Community Church to recognize this thoughtful addition to the park. A special thank you also goes to our Stafford Township Department of Public Works staff for their assistance with the installation and for helping bring the project together. 👏
These benches may seem like a simple addition, but they offer something meaningful—a place to catch your breath, enjoy the view, have a conversation with a neighbor, or simply spend a quiet moment outdoors. We are especially grateful that one will carry forward the memory of Lorraine Smith for years to come. ❤️
The Forecastle Basin parking area, including accessible parking, can be reached from Breakers Drive, behind Ocean Community Church at 1492 Route 72 West.
Thank you to Ocean Community Church, Don Smith, Pastor Phil, our DPW team, and everyone involved for investing in a space that our entire Stafford community can enjoy. 🌿
