The City of Fredericton Commemorative Park Bench and Tree Program was established in 2021 to provide members of the public with a means by which to honour an individual within a public park or trail setting. Individuals wishing to take part are invited to choose the item they would like to donate (either a park bench or a tree) and complete an application form. Applications are accepted between November 1st and February 15th annually. Upon receipt of a completed application form, the individual will be contacted by city staff for follow-up.
Supporting the provision of municipal park benches and trees are a perfect way to honour an individual and best of all, each donation helps support parks and trails throughout Fredericton.
Each park bench donated to the City of Fredericton will be installed and maintained in an approved municipal park, in consultation with the Manager of Parks and Trees Division. The bench will become the property of the municipality and will be maintained by the City. Bench installations occur from April 1 to November 1 annually. Each donation will be recognised by a plaque installed on the bench. Please Note: The City of Fredericton maintains the right to remove or relocate the bench as required due to vandalism, redevelopment or other reasonable cause.
Commemorative Bench: $5,000.00
The donation includes the provision of a park bench, commemorative plaque, concrete pad and installation and maintenance/repair for a 10-year period. Installations are seasonal and are completed as weather and ground conditions permit.
Each tree donated and planted will be a caliper size tree of a suitable species in an approved City of Fredericton owned park in consultation with the Parks and Trees Division’s municipal Arborist. The tree will become the property of the City of Fredericton, will be protected by the appropriate by-laws and will be maintained for its natural life by tree care professionals. Tree planting take place once per year in the Spring. A plaque recognizing the tree donation will be installed in close proximity to the tree planting site.
Individuals wishing to take part are invited to choose the item they would like to donate (either a park bench or a tree) and complete an application.
Commemorative Tree: $3000.00
The donation includes the provision and installation of a tree, commemorative plaque and on-going maintenance or replacement (if required) for a 10-year period. Installations are seasonal and are completed as weather and ground conditions permit.
The City of Fredericton plants several different tree species and varieties that are considered appropriate for various locations in municipal parks. Each tree type must be considered in its specific location. Parks and Trees Division Staff will assist each applicant with the selection of a tree that best suits a desired location.
Receipt of a completed Commemorative Park Bench and Tree Program Application Form is required to initiate donation to the commemorative program.
Upon receipt of a completed application form, Parks and Trees Staff will review the request and work with each applicant to determine donation availability, type, and installation location. If required, an on-site meeting between the applicant and City staff may be required.
Payment in full for the donation is required prior to installation of a park bench or tree. A receipt will be provided upon receipt of payment.
A donation period will last 10 years. Within this time, the City of Fredericton Parks and Trees Division will replace a donated park bench, tree or commemorative plaque as required due to vandalism or theft.
There may be a waiting list to donate within some municipal parks and along some trails, and some parks may no longer be available to accept new donations.
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all members of the public, park benches or trees that are donated may not be adorned with additional items (ie. flowers, wreaths, etc.) at any time. Donated items remain public property and as such, personalization (other than the identification plaque) or priority or private exclusive use is not permitted.
The asset proposed for installation must be conducive to maintaining the appearance of the surrounding park and/or trail area. The asset must not interfere with the enjoyment of, or accessibility to, park/trail areas or amenities for any member of the public and as such, the Manager of the City of Fredericton Parks and Trees Division must provide final approval of all donations and installations.
Occasionally there may be a need to replace or relocate a donated item if frequent repairs needed, or if the park area is undergoing new development. If circumstances arise that require an asset to be changed or relocated, the City of Fredericton will carryout the relocation and cover all costs. Every attempt will be made to notify the original donor if relocation is required.
Applications for the donation program are reviewed annually from November 1st to February 15th.
