Memorial Bench Program

We all have moments in our lives we wish to commemorate and memories we seek to preserve. Through our City of New Bedford Department of Parks Recreation & Beaches, community members have the opportunity to designate a park bench and to dedicate a tree in honor of a special person or event in a way that enhances the beauty and experience of nature in our city.

Benches are welcoming spaces for rest and contemplation in our parks. Your gift will help make our city’s parks more enjoyable for everyone in our community.

Benches

• Benches that require a concrete pad will require an additional donation amount.

Optional Bench Plaques

• Plaques dedicated to the memory of a loved one will be obtained at the cost of the applicant through the authorized City vendor.
• Plaque text requires Park Board approval, and all plaques must meet the City standard.
• Plaques will be shipped directly to Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches.

Example of a bench.

Policy & Procedures

• Complete an application.
• Applications are reviewed by The Park Board.
• Applications are reviewed by City Council.
• Favorable requests are then sent back to Park Board.
• The Parks Board will refer to the Department of Parks Recreation & Beaches and Friends of the Park groups.
• The Department of Parks Recreation & Beaches will issue approved requests for Public Infrastructure review as necessary.

The Parks Recreation & Beaches Department is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents through safe, structured, and accessible programs and public spaces.

Checks payable to the City of New Bedford. Benches are $1000+ and the style of your bench will be chosen based on the park in which it is to be located, consistent with the park's current standard.

Concerning benches, the life of your memorial is intended to correspond with the useful life of the park bench – about ten (10) years. The Department is not responsible for damaged or missing plaques. Permanency of your memorial cannot be guaranteed, and memorials and plaques will not be replaced at the cost of the Department.