Memorial Tree & Bench Program

This program is a wonderful way to honor someone special, memorialize a loved one, or celebrate a special occasion. Trees or benches may be planted/placed in neighborhood park or at Stony Creek Golf Course. The Park District will assist in the selection of an appropriate tree for the desired location, and is responsible for planting/placement of the tree or bench.

Memorial Benches

Your donation of $2,000 covers the purchase and installation of a bench plus engraving on middle slat, up to 50 characters. It also provides funds to maintain the bench and the beauty of the area surrounding the bench. Thank you in advance for your support. Memorial Benches are available in 72” length with arms. These benches are made of recycled plastic and are extremely durable. All dedicated benches will be identified by engraving on the backrest slat(s) of benches. Up to 2 slats of engraving available on benches.

• Bench slat option is available for a limited number of benches already placed in a park. See registration form for details.
• The Superintendent of Parks determines the final location of any new bench; however, locations may be suggested by the donor.
• Depending on weather conditions and time of the year, benches may take several months to be installed. No installations can occur during the winter months. The typical installation schedule for benches is as follows:

• Memorial installations are scheduled and completed by Park District staff based on weather, site conditions, and operational schedules. While donors are welcome to visit the memorial once installation is complete, attendance during the installation itself is not permitted

Lifespans of Memorial Benches

Your donation ensures acknowledgement for a period of 15 years. The Park District will repair or replace benches that are damaged or destroyed during this period. As the Park District develops, it may be necessary to relocate or change the style of the bench. Every effort will be made to contact the donor with information impacting the donation. If needed the Superintendent of Parks will work with the donor to select a new location.

Memorial Trees

The Oak Lawn Park District Memorial Tree program provides residents the opportunity to purchase a tree in memory of a loved one or to honor a special occasion. Your $450 donation will provide a lasting memory but will also help to beautify our parks. Your donation provides for the purchase, planting, and early care of tree (see Lifespan of your Memorial Tree).

• A certificate will be provided to the purchaser as a remembrance for the Tree Memorial.
• Tree installations occur in the spring and fall. Although we will make every effort to honor installation timelines and tree selections, please note that working with live plants and the weather may bring unforeseen changes to our schedule. The typical installation schedule for trees is as follows:

• Memorial installations are scheduled and completed by Park District staff based on weather, site conditions, and operational schedules. While donors are welcome to visit the memorial once installation is complete, attendance during the installation itself is not permitted.

Memorial Tree Variety

We have a plan that leads to a diverse collection of trees across the Park District. We will make every effort to meet your request while at the same time, meeting the goals of the Park District.

• The Superintendent of Parks and the Landscape Manager will determine the final location and tree species; however, locations and tree selection can be suggested by the donor.

Lifespans of Memorial Trees

The lifespan of your memorial tree is 10 years. During the first five years, if the condition of the tree does not meet the Park District standards due to disease or weather-related damage, we will replace the tree during the next planting season. If changes to design results in the elimination or transplanting of the tree, the donor will be informed and will be consulted for new placement or species.

For more information please see the Memorial Tree and Bench Form or call 708-857-2200.