General information
Please Note
Due to construction staff shortages, we will not be accepting applications for the Memorial/Heritage Bench program through December 31, 2024. Parks and Recreation apologizes for the inconvenience.
- We are currently unable to meet the installation standards expected for this program.
- Ongoing communication regarding interest in the program, scheduled to resume January 1, 2025, is encouraged.
- Bench applications received before January 1, 2025, will be returned.
A price increase for the Memorial/Heritage Bench Program will go into effect on January 1, 2025.
About the program
Sponsored by Columbia Parks and Recreation, the Memorial/Heritage Tree and Bench Program allows groups and individuals to donate trees or benches to commemorate special events, honor individuals or agencies, or as memorials to loved ones to be placed on City-owned parkland.
Trees and benches purchased through the program are planted and/or placed in city parks, trails, golf courses, and playgrounds.
- The exact placement is at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Department.
- Payment is due at the time the order is placed.
- These donations qualify as a charitable contribution tax deduction.
- For more information on charitable contributions see IRS Publication #526.
In addition to this program, you can remember a friend or family member through a memorial gift to the Parks and Recreation Fund. The Fund provides an avenue for citizens to contribute to help sustain and augment Parks and Recreation programs and facilities.
Memorial/Heritage Tree Contact information
Parks Management Center
1507 Bus. Loop 70W Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573.874.7201opens phone dialer
Trees
The cost of the tree program is $500 per tree. This includes the tree, plaque and ongoing maintenance of the tree (pruning, mulching, etc.).
After the tree is planted, the donor will receive a map of the planting location for each tree. A donation certificate is available upon request.
- Trees ordered from March 16 through Sept 15 will be planted in the late fall.
- Trees ordered from September 16 through March 15 will be planted in the spring.
- Plaques will be installed 6-8 weeks following planting.
Trees are living things and longevity cannot be guaranteed. Trees that succumb during the first 10 years will be replaced at no additional expense.
At this time, we are no longer accepting Memorial/Heritage Trees at the following locations:
- Bethel Park
- Forum Nature Area
- The MKT Trail
- Stephens Lake Park
Columbia Parks and Recreation reserves the right to limit other locations as needed.
Please contact the Parks and Recreation Forester, 573.874.7520opens phone dialer, before submitting the application for information on which trees and locations are available for planting. Payment is due at the time the order is placed.
| TYPES OF TREES | |
|---|---|
| Swamp White Oak | Sugar Maple |
| Bald Cypress | Redbud |
| Bur Oak | Yellowwood |
| Sycamore/London Planetree | Tulip Poplar |
| Red Maple | Pitch/Loblolly Pine |
For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Forestry office at:
Forestry Division
Parks Management Center
1507 Bus. Loop 70W Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573.874.7520opens phone dialer
E-mail: Eric.Schmittel@CoMo.gov
Benches
As noted above, Parks and Recreation is not accepting applications at this time.
A Memorial/Heritage Bench placed in perpetuity is a unique way to celebrate family, friends, and important events.
Benches are made of environmentally friendly recycled plastic lumber. A program to replace the old wooden-style Memorial/Heritage benches approaching 10+ years old with the new recycled plastic lumber benches began in 2009.
Where does the City purchase the recycled lumber benches and plaques? The recycled-lumber benches are the 6′ Contour model with cedar colored recycled plastic lumber, similar to benches sold by Kay Park Rec Corp. The zinc plaques are 2″ x 10″ with raised lettering.
Cost
- $2,500.00 for a pre-approved park or trail location (see below bench plans). *
- $3,500.00 for a customized park or trail location, not shown on a park bench plan.
Payment is due at the time the order is placed.
The installation price includes labor, materials, lifetime maintenance, and a 2″ x 10″ zinc plaque. Benches will be installed at approved sites within 4-6 months after payment and approval of plaque text.
Bench locations require staff approval. Select park and trail locations are closed due to reaching maximum capacity.
Bench locations
Benches can be requested at select Columbia parks and trails until they reach maximum capacity.
The following parks and trails have reached maximum bench capacity:
- Bonnie View Nature Sanctuary
- Cosmo Park
- Cosmo-Bethel Park
- County House Trail
- Flat Branch Park
- Forum Nature Area
- Grindstone Creek Trail
- Grindstone Nature Area
- Hinkson Creek Trail between Grindstone and the MKT Trail
- MKT Nature and Fitness Trail between Flat Branch and the trailhead at Scott Blvd.
- The Lake Trail at Philips Park
- Scott’s Branch Trail
- Stephens Lake Park
- Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Columbia Parks and Recreation reserves the right to limit other locations as needed.
*The following parks have a specific bench plan. Please use the links to view the bench plan and make your choice from available locations. For locations not listed below or previously noted as unavailable please contact Janet.godon@CoMo.gov or 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
For more information on the Memorial/Heritage Bench Program, contact:
Parks Management Center
1507 Bus. Loop 70W Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
E-mail: Janet.godon@CoMo.gov
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