SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP) - The Springfield Preservation Trust and residents still want answers for why the 137-year-old bench was removed from Stearns Square. "Myself and my administration have taken historic preservation very seriously and we will continue to do so," said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. Historic bench removed from Springfield park A historic bench was removed from Stearn Square in downtown Springfield in July. On Wednesday, the Springfield Preservation Trust held a news conference to share their concerns, mainly about why the bench was removed. IMAGE: Bench at Stearns Square Park - Before / After "A large granite bench of that size, 25 feet in length, would not typically be something you remove to restore cracks or chips," said Erica Swallow, President of the Springfield Preservation Trust. The City of Springfield cited there were structural problems with the bench and the foundation on which the bench sat, but Mayor Domenic Sarno says they take the restoration of city history seriously. "They will look at it, do the repairs or restoration that has to be done, and then we'll look to get it back to its rightful place. Plain and simple" said Mayor Sarno. In the past, the City of Springfield and the Springfield Preservation Trust have both worked together to restore other pieces of history, now they are both looking forward to the bench being restored and back in the park. "The city has done a great job over the past of restoring historic property, and buildings. We have great faith in the City of Springfield to do the right thing and we look forward to seeing the plan for the return of the bench" said Swallow. PHOTOS: Historic bench at Stearns Square in Springfield (Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)The historic circa-1887 Stearns Square bench (Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust via Holyoke Public Library)The historic circa-1887 Stearns Square bench (Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust via WAMC)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust)(Photo courtesy: Springfield Preservation Trust) The Springfield Preservation Trust is hoping the public can be a part of planning the restoration and return of the bench. Mayor Sarno said these preservation projects take time and money but if it is fiscally responsible for the neighborhood, his administration will continue to restore history. Local News Headlines Springfield Police Department pins three new sergeants Ronald McDonald House Charity and Baystate Children’s Hospital open first family room in Western Massachusetts Dry fall weather continues across western Massachusetts Hospitals brace for IV fluid shortage after hurricane WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.