EUCLID AVENUE BENCHES

Several years ago Upland Sister City Association undertook a project to place three benches on the median of Euclid Avenue at 14th Street. These benches are to preserve the memories of past and present Upland Sister City members and members of our sister cities in Mildura, Australia, and Caborca, Mexico. After much fund-raising, including a grant from Upland Foothill Kiwanis, and coordination with the City of Upland, we are excited to now have two benches in place.

Mildura-Upland Bench

The first bench dedication took place on March 5, 2021 at the newly established Upland Sister City Square, situated on the median of Euclid Avenue at 14th Street.

The Upland Sister City Association organized the dedication to honor Mildura, Australia, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sister City relationship (1969–2019). The bench commemorates the historical link between Upland, California, and Mildura, Australia. Both communities share the same founding fathers, George and W.B. Chaffey, who were engineers from Ontario, Canada. A real highlight was to welcome and host a contingent from Mildura for the ceremony.

Upland Bench

Subsequent to the placement of that first milestone bench, Upland Sister City Association members, friends and city dignitaries held another ceremony on April 13, 2025, to dedicate a second bench and a new memorial plaque at the exact same 14th and Euclid location. This newer installation honors the program's long-serving local volunteers, including Zella and Harvey Stone, Ian and Sarah Richardson, June and Dean Love, Carol Zahniser, Sharon and Paul Christensen, Lillian and Bob Kunz and Christine Shaurette.