Set Up Guide

Park Memorial Bench Program

Program Overview: Memorial Bench Programs give park systems a meaningful way to connect families with their favorite public spaces. By dedicating a bench in honor of a loved one, families create a lasting tribute while supporting the park’s role as a gathering place for the community. Whether placed along walking trails, near playgrounds, or in scenic overlooks, memorial benches provide comfort, rest, and remembrance for park visitors while enhancing the character of your green spaces.

Set Up Guide for a Park Memorial Bench Program

1. Design a Program That Fits Your Parks

For park systems, a Memorial Bench Program can serve both the community and the park itself. Families gain a dignified way to remember loved ones, while your parks gain additional seating and amenities that make spaces more welcoming.

Select Bench Locations: Identify high-value areas such as trailheads, gardens, picnic areas, and playgrounds where benches add the most benefit.
Select Dedication Plaque: Decide on plaque materials, sizes, and inscription guidelines. Providing samples helps families visualize the tribute.
Choose Bench Types: Standardize bench styles, finishes, and materials to ensure durability and a cohesive look across the park system.
Outline Policies: Establish expectations for installation timelines, maintenance schedules, and the expected lifespan of benches.
Set Pricing: Pricing should cover the bench, plaque, installation, and future care. Consider adding replacement costs to keep the program sustainable.

Did You Know?

Many park systems rotate available bench sites annually to maintain balance between new dedications and public seating needs.

2. Make the Process Easy for Participants

Purchasing a memorial bench should be both an easy and emotional experience. Families are making a meaningful investment to honor a loved one, and your role is to ensure the process feels clear, respectful, and stress-free.

Online Webpage: Create a dedicated page where donors can review details, select their bench, and complete their dedication in one place.
Offer Online Payments: Allow donors to check out online with credit/debit cards, ACH Transfer, and automatically provide tax receipts.
Dedication Details: Collect the donor’s information, the name of the individual being honored, and the plaque inscription.
Map Out Locations: A visual map of the park system showing potential bench placements helps families choose the site that holds the most meaning.

Manage Memorial Programs Effortlessly

When a program is built with clarity and organization, it reduces the everyday workload for your team while creating a simple, meaningful experience for donors. Memorial giving should feel effortless for administrators and deeply personal for participants.

3. Keep Your Program Running Smoothly

Behind the scenes, organization ensures benches are installed accurately, cared for properly, and celebrated publicly.

Keep Track of Memorial Items: Organize critical details including donor information, memorial bench locations, and plaque details.
Coordinate Installations: Work with crews or vendors to install benches accurately and on time and stay on top of maintenance schedules.
Celebrate and Share: Publicly recognize new dedications through photos, newsletters, or social media posts.