Newton Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department accepts donations to commemorate loved ones, celebrate special events or occasions, and more. We accept the following types of donations:

• Bench with Plaque
• Memorial Trees
• Monetary Donations

Bench with Plaque

The City of Newton uses a few primary styles of benches, depending on the location. Benches are typically made of either metal or recycled plastic; the plaque is cast bronze. The average cost of a new bench--including the cost of delivery and installation--is about $2500-$2800. 

• Benches are sturdy commercial designs, as selected by the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department. New wooden benches are not recommended or used.
• Cast bronze plaques are 2” X 10” in size and can have up to four lines of text, each with up to approximately 48 characters.
• Plaque cost depends on the number of characters, lines, casing, and spaces.
• Existing benches without plaques can also have a plaque affixed, without needing to purchase an entirely new bench. The same character guidelines as above apply; costs average $200-$240. Plaque opportunities based on availability.

Please email Ahron Lerman for more information on donating a bench and/or plaque. 

Memorial Trees

Planting memorial trees and/or installing benches with a plaque in a City park.

• A written request must be made to the Parks and Recreation Department from the bereaved indicating desirable location and preference of memorial (tree or bench)
• The Administrator/Superintendent of the designated Maintenance Division reviews the request and acknowledges that the requested location will not be impacted by future development and is suitable for a tree or bench
• The appropriate Maintenance Division Head will contact you with the costs and how you may submit your payment to the City. He purchases the tree with the funds you provide, plants the tree and provides a water source
• The variety of the tree and location of planting will be at the discretion of the Forestry Superintendent
• Tree markers and/or pedestals must be of a pre-approved type.

The Recreation Department is responsible for responding to the request in writing acknowledging receipt of payment and completion of work with a copy to the Commissioner's Office. Requester will receive a picture of the tree and/or bench, and a locator map for acknowledgment and reference.

Monetary Donations

The Newton Parks and Recreation Department is a City of Newton Agency, working with public and private partners to supplement and support the City of Newton’s parks, trails and recreation opportunities; particularly those that help children, at-risk youth, seniors and the disabled.

Your tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated to improve the quality of life of Newton residents.

Donation checks can be made payable to the City of Newton and sent to:

The Office of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation 

246 Dudley Road, Newton MA