Memorial Program

Memorial programs are increasingly popular and widespread across cities, counties, and states, serving as poignant tributes to honor loved ones by both families and organizations. Some pay tribute to those who died in the line of duty, such as members of the military, and the memorial program helps keep their memory alive.

In response to numerous inquiries, the City of New Albany has diligently explored various memorial programs existing in neighboring communities. Through this research, City staff discovered that many communities provide the option of memorial bench programs, memorial tree programs, or both.

Recently, the City Council approved the establishment of a new Memorial Program tailored for the City of New Albany. This program offers the choice of commemorating loved ones through a memorial bench, a memorial tree, or both, allowing residents to cherish and honor their memories for generations to come.

 

Memorial Bench Program

Memorial bench programs allow family and friends to recognize loved ones who have passed. These programs are also designed to help fund the addition of much needed benches throughout public parks, shelters, trails, waterways, and playgrounds.

The City of New Albany’s memorial bench program permits bench donations as an opportunity for residents to recognize important occasions such as anniversaries, weddings, births and retirements; as well as to memorialize the loss of a loved one.

Click here to download the Memorial Bench Program application form.

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Benches are installed within the City of New Albany parks. City staff will work with those purchasing the bench to determine an appropriate location.

input-arrow input-arrow HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The donation in the amount of $2,500 will cover:

  • The purchase, delivery, and installation of the bench on a concrete pad
  • Cost of personalized, commemorative plaque
  • The term of the dedicated bench is ten (10) years from the date of installation
  • Ongoing maintenance of the bench and its surroundings will be provided by City staff

Once the application has been accepted, our vendor will send a proof mockup of the plaque that will need your final approval prior to being ordered. City staff will contact you to discuss the location of the bench. Once the bench is installed, City staff will notify you. All memorial benches are placed on City of New Albany property. The bench becomes the property of the City of New Albany at the time of installation.

Memorial Tree Program

The City of New Albany’s memorial tree program allows families and friends to leave a lasting, living memorial or recognition to loved ones in the form of a tree and plaque while also providing aesthetic beauty to the community for many years to come. The program provides residents an opportunity to recognize important occasions such as anniversaries, weddings, births and retirements; as well as to memorialize the loss of a loved one.

Click here to download the Memorial Tree Program application form.

input-arrow input-arrow WHERE CAN A TREE BE PLANTED?

Trees are planted within the City of New Albany parks. City staff will work with those purchasing the tree to determine an appropriate location and species type.

input-arrow input-arrow HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The fee of $1,495 purchases a 1.5-2-inch caliper deciduous tree or a 6-8-foot evergreen.  The tree also comes with a 9×6 inch bronze plaque with an inscription of your choice. The City of New Albany will plant, mulch, water and prune the tree as necessary.

For more information, please reach out to Chelsea Nichols at cnichols@newalbanyohio.org.