From the very beginning, we’ve been fans of Parks and Recreation. We actually love Parks and Rec more than words can describe so we ended up making a lot fan art based on the series.
A few months ago, we were planning a trip to Europe and we promised ourselves that we would go see the now famous Leslie and Ben padlock on the Pont des Arts. If you remember, in the show’s 100th episode, Leslie and Ben go on a trip to Paris and seal their love by writing their names on a padlock on the renowned bridge and throwing away the key in the Seine River.
On March 24th, after a long 9 hour plane trip we arrived in Paris, completely exhausted yet determined to right this terrible wrong and went on a hunt for a replacement padlock. It was easier said than done… It was already late and all the stores in Le Marais were closing their doors right in front of us so we reluctantly decided to call it a day and go for a glass of wine instead.
We only had two days in Paris and naturally we got the coldest and rainiest weather we could ever wish for. The next day we went through store after store, walking for what seemed like hours in the rain, trying to find a padlock, not just any padlock but the one used in the show. Miraculously, we ended up on the lower level of a hardware store and finally found the Holy Grail. It was right there in front of us, the very same model of padlock from the “Second Chunce” episode.
Figuring this little riddle made the rest of our mission a bit easier. We must have looked crazy looking for a damaged fence where a padlock may or may not have been but we made it. We located the cut out fence and and put the new lock along with one our Leslie and Ben keychains right there next to it. We knew that nothing could replace the real thing but still felt it was important for the fans and everyone who loves Parks and Rec to keep the idea behind the padlock alive. We can only hope this will help others find the original spot. As you can see on our pictures, someone called Matt was obviously thinking likewise.
“@PeachyApricot: It’s The Day of @unfoRETTAble birth y’all!!! Go wish her Happy Birthday. http://t.co/j01kVSWQMC” Thanks ladies!!!!
— Retta (@unfoRETTAble) April 12, 2014
