Memorial Bench Program

Purpose of the Program

The Memorial Bench Program offers family members, friends, organizations, and those wishing to honor a person, commemorate a meaningful event, or leave a lasting legacy, the opportunity to install a commemorative plaque on an existing bench in one of the City of Tualatin’s parks or trails.

By participating, you help enhance our community’s outdoor spaces. Places where people rest, reflect, and connect with nature, while creating a lasting tribute.

Program Cost & Installation

The fee for this program is $4,000, which covers the cost of installing a personalized plaque on an existing bench, site preparation, coordination by Parks staff, and ongoing maintenance of the bench location. If the bench is older than seven years, the fee also covers the cost of purchasing a new bench plus a plaque. If the existing bench you have selected is less than seven years old, those funds will instead be directed into a bench replacement fund to be used as benches throughout the city need to be replaced.

Process:

  1. Apply Anytime & Submit Payment - Donor will submit a completed Memorial Bench Application. Applications are accepted year-round. 
  2. Review - Department staff will review and determine the appropriateness of the proposal as measured by approval criteria. 
  3. Approval - Department staff will notify the donor, in writing, within 20 business days of the review decision, identifying any final conditions of approval. Memorial Bench Donations require approval for exact location of the desired memorial donation. With a positive review decision, Department Staff will submit it to the Parks and Recreation Department Director for final approval.
  4. Bench & Plaque Installation Schedule - Installations happen twice per year, in February and August. Final placement at a designated bench location within our parks or trail system is subject to review and availability by the Parks Department.
  5. Invoice & Confirmation - After application approval, we will issue an invoice for payment due within 30 days. Once payment is processed and the installation window is confirmed, you will receive a notification of the exact installation date and location.

Application Form

Please complete the following to apply for the Memorial Bench Program. 

For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department at: parksandrec@tualatin.gov

Applicant Information
Memorial Bench Information
Location *
Please select a location from the list below.
Plaque inscription Line One *
Plaques may have two lines of text. Line one will have a memorial phrase and the name of the individual being honored. Select one of the memorial phrases
Please double check spelling.
Enter your own text. All plaques must be approved by the Parks and Recreation Director. Maximum of 40 characters including spaces.

City of Tualatin Memorial Bench Policy

Approval Criteria
All proposals will be evaluated by Parks and Recreation Director according to the following:

  • The City reserves the right to review and approve the inscription for wording, content, and compliance with the City’s Memorial/Naming policy.
  • The final decision as to location will be determined by the Parks and Recreation Director.

Duration of Memorial
You understand that the anticipated useful life of the bench is approximately 12-15 years (subject to factors such as wear, weather, park redesign, safety, or other maintenance needs). The memorial (bench + plaque) is intended to remain for that lifespan.

Maintenance
The City will be responsible for routine maintenance, repair of standard wear, and general upkeep in line with the park’s maintenance program. However, the City does not guarantee permanent existence or guarantee that the bench will remain unchanged for longer than its useful life.

Replacement / End of Life
Should the bench reach the end of its functional lifespan, become structurally unsound, require major relocation, or otherwise be removed, the City will make a reasonable effort to contact you (the applicant/donor) and inform you of the situation. At that time you will be offered the opportunity (at your option) to fund a replacement bench and plaque. If you choose not to proceed, the City will remove the memorial without further obligation to you.

Non-exclusive Use
This memorial bench remains part of the public park system and is available for use by all. It is not reserved exclusively for you or your honoree(s) or for private use. The plaque honors the individual(s) named, but the bench remains a public amenity.

Memorial Benches are considered outright and unrestricted donations. The City of Tualatin does not guarantee permanency of the accepted donation. If a memorial must be relocated, Department staff will attempt to notify the donor in writing at the address shown on this form. Donations may be tax deductible (please consult an accountant).  The donor understands and agrees with the conditions set forth in this policy and agrees to pay the program fee within 30 days of notification of Agreement approval.

Relocation or Removal
You acknowledge that the City reserves the right to relocate or remove the bench (and plaque) at any time for reasons of park design changes, safety, maintenance, redevelopment, or other public need. In such case the City will make reasonable effort to notify you if feasible, but you understand no guarantee is made of location or permanence.

Release of Liability
You acknowledge that while the City will maintain the bench to its normal park standards, the City is not liable for damage due to vandalism, weathering, misuse, theft, or natural deterioration.

Acknowledgement *
  • Printer-friendly version