A recycling bin at Deering Park – the first of its kind in Braintree – is a worthwhile honor for the memory of Saran Gillies because of her long history of environmental advocacy, Sustainable Braintree President Cheryl Edgar said during a ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

Gillies, a former Braintree selectwoman and town clerk, jumpstarted her civic engagement by pushing for recycling 40 years ago.

"It's a fitting tribute," Edgar said. "We've come a long way, and we still have a long way to go."

Braintree residents Norman and Jeanne Diotte, and Bob and Marge Downey were also honored on Thursday for their committment to serving the community. Another bench was placed at Deering Park, joining several others that celebrate families and individuals from the town.

Mayor Joseph Sullivan called the park "a place of tranquility, a place of reflection," and also spoke of Gillies as a pioneer in the community.

"She had a great intellect, a great sense of humor and was a fighter," Sullivan said.

Edgar said that Sustainable Braintree will work with local officials and area companies to bring recycling bins to all of the town's parks. It will supplement an effort kicked off this week to offer free recycling barrels to all Braintree households.

The placement of the benches and the recycling container was done by Thomas Sidor as part of an Eagle Scout project that was coordinated by the Department of Public Works Director, Thomas Whalen.

“We are grateful for the work that Tom Sidor accomplished," Sullivan said in an earlier statement. “He has earned his Eagle Scout badge and Troop 22 as well as the Whalen family are to be congratulated for establishing comfortable benches in our new beautiful park for all to enjoy."