Commemorative Tree and Bench Program
Create a Living Memorial through the Garden City Parks and Recreation Department’s Tribute Tree and Bench Program.
PURPOSE
The City of Garden City offers a unique opportunity for you to honor or memorialize a special person or event in your life by donating in their name. Pay tribute to someone you love, commemorate an event, or celebrate a friend or family member through the gift of a tree or bench in their honor.
By purchasing a commemorative bench or tree, an individual is not only supporting a significant time in their life, but they are also taking an active role in preserving and protecting Garden City Park System.
The Garden City Parks System includes:
- City Hall Front Lawn, 6000 Middlebelt (Only benches at this time)
- Maplewood Community Center, 31735 Maplewood Street
- City Park, 200 N. Log Cabin Road
- Moeller Park, 5899 Moller Avenue
- Rotary Park, 32465 Marquette
- Kiwanis Park, 30551 Maplewood Street
- Manor Park, 6221 Hubbard Street
- Florence Park, 29131 Florence Street
- Helen Park, 5852 Helen Street
- Arcola Park, 7099 Arcola Street
*Some parks may not be able to add additional benches or trees.
How does the process work?
- Step 1: Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (734) 793-1882 to discuss which park and in what program you would like to contribute a tree or a bench.
- Step 2: The next step is to walk the requested park with a Parks and Recreation staff member to determine an ideal location for your tree or bench. You may find an area of an old bench or deteriorating tree you would like to replace, or you may find an open space that would be perfect for a new bench or tree. Once you determine the perfect location, the Parks and Recreation Department will bring your full request, including the words you would like on the plaque, to the Garden City Recreation Commission for approval.
- Step 3: Once the location for your new tree or bench has been approved, you will need to make the payment in full. When the payment is processed, the wording will be sent to the plaque manufacturer and your new tree or bench will be ordered. The plaque manufacturer will create a digital mockup of your plaque and will be sent to you for approval or edits via email. If approved, simply sign the proof, and return it as instructed for the order to be completed. If edits are needed, it will be sent back to the plaque manufacturer with your edits and repeated until the plaque wording is approved by you, the Parks and Recreation Department, and the Recreation Commission.
How should I make my payment?
- You can pay by Credit Card or Checks can be written out to the Garden City Parks and Recreation Department and mailed to:
Garden City Parks and Recreation Department
Tribute Tree and Bench Program
200 N. Log Cabin Road
Garden City, Michigan 48135
COMMEMORATIVE TREE PROGRAM
Why support the Tribute Tree Program?
- By planting a tree, you are creating a living memory that will last for generations, while caring for the environment. Trees are a lasting tribute that provide clean air, ease noise pollution, create habitats for wildlife, and control erosion. You also have the option of purchasing a plaque to be placed before an existing tree.
How much does the Tribute Tree Program cost?
- A new commemorative tree will cost $650.
The cost includes the tree, installation, and perpetual care. The tree will be guaranteed for a period of five-years. If a tree dies during this period, it will be replaced at no charge. After five-years, any replacement tree to be funded by the original purchaser.
- A commemorative tree plaque will cost $200.
If you would like a plaque to accompany the new tree, or purchase a plaque for an existing tree, the cost includes a bronze plaque designed by the purchaser and installation of the plaque onto a concrete block placed in the ground in front of the tree.
- Prices could change slightly due to market pricing.
Can I choose the inscription on the plaque?
- Yes. The plaque will be 4” x 8” and will generally have 4 lines of text with 21 characters maximum per line (including spaces).
What tree would be installed in the Tribute Tree Program?
- Red Maple.
Where will my tree be planted?
- Trees may be planted in any available park in Garden City, with the approval of the Parks and Recreation Department and the Garden City Recreation Commission.
What if my tree needs to be removed?
- While never expected, a commemorative tree may need to be removed or moved due to construction or other unforeseen circumstances. The City will consider moving smaller trees but may not be able to do so in all cases. When contact information is available, the City will contact the donor to discuss options and provide notification. The City does not guarantee that a memorial tree can be moved or will be replaced.
Can I make a dedication for other occasions besides memorials?
- Donating a tree makes an excellent gift for any occasion. Trees symbolize growth, strength, and success. They are a unique present for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and much more!
COMMEMORATIVE BENCH PROGRAM
Why support the Tribute Bench Program?
- By donating a bench, you can honor your loved one while enhancing the aesthetics of the Garden City Park System. Contributing a bench will improve a park by offering a resting place for leisure and relaxation.
Can I make a dedication for other occasions besides memorials?
- Donating a bench makes an excellent gift for any occasion. They are the perfect way to honor someone you love or remember a special event. They are a unique present for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and much more!
How much does the Tribute Bench Program cost?
- A new commemorative bench will cost $1,700.
The cost includes the bench, a bronze plaque designed by the purchaser, installation on a new concrete pad, and perpetual care.
- Price could change slightly due to market pricing.
Can I choose the inscription on the plaque?
- Yes. One plaque may be placed on each bench. Maximum size of a plaque is 3” x 8”. Each sign will generally accommodate 2 lines of text with 21 characters maximum per line (including spaces).
What if my bench becomes destroyed?
- The City will replace any destroyed benches due to vandals, accidents, or unforeseen circumstances. Through normal wear and tear over two decades, benches may need to be replaced. When contact information is available, the City will attempt to contact the donor to discuss options for a replacement at the purchaser’s cost.
What would the bench look like?