The Deep Roots Bench Project will add agriculture-inspired, artist-designed benches along the new Governors Drive Shared Use Path—bringing both needed seating and meaningful public art to this well-used trail. These durable, custom pieces celebrate Casselton’s rural heritage while enhancing comfort, connection, and community pride. 

The project includes the installation of four custom-designed pieces (three stationary benches and one porch-style swing bench). Each bench incorporates stylized imagery of crops commonly grown in the Casselton area: corn, wheat, soybeans, and sugar beets. The benches will serve both aesthetic and practical purposes, offering rest spots while celebrating the region’s agricultural identity.

Agriculture has shaped Casselton from its origins as a grain shipping and processing hub along the Northern Pacific Railway to its current role in regional crop production. The surrounding farmland, local businesses, and multi-generation farm families continue to define the community’s economy and identity, making agriculture a natural central theme for a public art project meant to reflect local heritage.

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Deep Roots Bench Project – Frequently Asked Questions

Who is designing the benches?

The benches are being designed by regional artist Anna Kann of Fargo. Her approach blends creative design with everyday functionality, making pieces that feel natural in public spaces and are meant to be used regularly.

Kann is a designer with a background in technical theater direction and large-scale outdoor festivals. She has worked for Folk Festivals and regional theaters all over the country. She has also designed and built public art installations in Iowa City, Iowa, Moorhead, MN and Washington, DC. Anna believes that good design enriches everyday life.

Who is building the benches?

Fabrication will be completed by a qualified manufacturer to ensure the benches meet commercial-grade standards and can stand up to North Dakota’s weather. Local craftsman Thomas Kieffer of Casselton will be one of the vendors working on the project, helping keep the work connected to the community while ensuring the benches are built to last.

Where will the benches be located?

Bench placement is being planned carefully to balance visibility, safety, and how people naturally use the shared-use path. Current planned locations include the north side of the shared-use path bridge, north entrance into Prairie Skies, areas near Watts Ace Hardware, and near Maple River Grain & Agronomy. Final placement will be confirmed next spring and may be adjusted based on site conditions and final design details.

How much does the project cost?

The estimated total cost of the Deep Roots Bench Project is approximately $20,000. This estimate includes the artist’s design work, fabrication of the benches, and the concrete pads and installation required to place them securely along the path.

How is the project being funded?

The project is being funded through a combination of local fundraising, business sponsorships, and grants. This approach allows the Deep Roots Bench Project to remain community-supported while ensuring the benches are designed and built to a high standard that will serve residents for years to come.

If you’d like to support the project, donations are always welcome and help move the benches from concept to installation.

Click here to make a donation to the Deep Roots Bench Project 

When will the benches be installed?

Fabrication and installation are targeted for completion before Summerfest 2026, depending on funding and production timelines. Updates will be shared with the community as the project moves forward and milestones are reached.

Who is leading the project?

The Deep Roots Bench Project is led by the Casselton Public Art Task Force, a volunteer group dedicated to bringing thoughtful, accessible public art into everyday spaces. The Task Force is working in coordination with the city to ensure the benches are well-designed, well-placed, and built to last.

Current members of the task force are: Evan Anderson, Adam Kapaun, Joanne Seifert, Char Gust, Lauren Johnson, Cassi Grenz, Brady Peterson, Adrienne Olson and Will Lipp.

Why focus on benches instead of another type of project?

Benches are a simple improvement that can have an outsized impact on how people experience a shared space. Adding seating makes the path more accessible, encourages people to linger and connect, and improves comfort for users of all ages—without changing the character of a space that residents already enjoy.

Why is the project agriculture-themed?

Agriculture has shaped Casselton from its earliest days and continues to be a visible part of everyday life in the area. Using agricultural imagery allows the benches to reflect something familiar and meaningful to the community while connecting the shared-use path to the landscape and history that surround it. The goal is to create designs that feel rooted in Casselton, not decorative for decoration’s sake.

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Deep Roots Community Supporters

The Deep Roots Benches are made possible through the support of individuals, businesses, and organizations who value thoughtful public spaces and Casselton’s agricultural heritage. Their contributions help transform a simple need for seating into permanent, functional public art along the Governors Drive Shared Use Path.

Donor support directly funds the design, fabrication, and installation of these custom, commercial-grade benches—ensuring they are built to last and accessible to everyone who uses the path.

Deep Roots Sponsors

Provides lead support for the project and is recognized permanently on a bench plaque along the shared-use path. (Only 4 available)

Names coming soon!

Harvest Sponsors

Plays a meaningful role in bringing the Deep Roots benches to life, with public recognition as a key supporter of the project.

Prairie Partners

Supports the creation of agriculture-inspired seating while helping add comfort and character to a shared community space.

Names coming soon!

Community Cultivators

Contributes to the success of the project by supporting functional public art that enhances everyday life along the path.

Names coming soon!

Interested in Supporting the Project?

Community participation remains an important part of the Deep Roots Benches. Sponsorships and contributions at a variety of levels are welcome, including in-kind support.

Click here to make a donation to the Deep Roots Bench Project 

Thank you for helping Casselton grow its Deep Roots.