Bench Donation Program
The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is pleased to offer the Parks & Greenways Bench Donation Program.
Our Bench Donation Program offers a unique and meaningful way for area residents to honor and remember friends and loved ones, promote their company, recognize a civic group, or commemorate a special event. The program is designed to assist the PRCR, through donor funding, to install benches in and along Town parks and greenways that have been identified as appropriate and suitable.
Your donation of a park and/or greenway bench helps beautify our community, creates a sense of ownership and provides a meaningful amenity that thousands of users of the great outdoors can enjoy and appreciate.
Guidelines
The average cost of each bench is $1,000-$2,750, including inscription and installation. The Town will be responsible for the installation of each bench. However, all costs related to bench fabrication, installation and inscription/plaque shall be the responsibility of the donor.
Bench locations will be predetermined by the PRCR Department. PRCR will limit the number of memorial benches that can be placed within any park, open space, or other Wake Forest PRCR-maintained property.
The location of the bench and any inscription must be approved by the PRCR Park Maintenance Manager or his/her designee.
At the donor's option, the name of the loved one memorialized, honored or business will be inscribed on the bench.
The PRCR Department will make every reasonable effort to maintain benches but will not be responsible for acts of nature, damage or vandalism. At the PRCR's sole and absolute discretion, the Town may make repairs or replace memorial benches - but shall not be required to replace or repair.
The PRCR Department reserves the right to remove or relocate a bench if the Town determines that removal is in its best interest.
Non-perishable items, such as photos, plastic flowers and beads, are not permitted and will be removed.
Donations may be eligible for charitable receipts for income tax purposes. Please consult your tax advisor.
Process
Contact Park Maintenance Manager Randy Hoyle to discuss bench placement and style options. Upon request, staff will review specific bench areas with interested donors. Please note: The bench style depends on the park/greenway location.
Once an area and bench style have been determined, the donor must complete the naming rights application.
If/when the application is approved, a check should be made out to Town of Wake Forest and mailed or delivered to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
PRCR crews will install the bench at the agreed upon location.
Deadline for naming rights application and check drop-off
March 1 - Benches to be installed in April
September 1 - Benches to be installed in October
Available Park & Greenway Locations
Taylor Street Park
Joyner Park - Playground
R.H. Forrest Field - First base line
Tyler Run Park - Trail
Holding Park - Inclusive Playground
Smith Creek Soccer Center - Playground
Flaherty Park: Field 1- First base line; Greenway; Dam; Tennis Courts
Bench Styles & Average Cost
Holding Park Inclusive Playground - $1,000
Joyner Park playground - $2,750
Joyner Park greenways - $1,600
Other Parks/Greenways - $2,200
Note: Prices for bench and installation are subject to change. There may also be some ADA requirements that could impact the cost of installation.
