Parkinson’s Foundation Memorial Bench at Nancy Lewis Park
The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department offers two methods to honor a loved one’s life by investing in the local park system:
The Tribute Tree Program (applications open year-round)
The Memorial Bench program (applications open March 1 – 31 annually)
Both of these opportunities support the department’s mission to enrich the community through healthy, active opportunities that engage and inspire.
Tribute Trees
There are many reasons to donate a park tree, including: celebration, memorial, birthdays, weddings, or simply because of the environmental benefits.
Application Process
To begin the Tribute Tree process, please review all the Tribute Tree information below and then submit a completed application. A PRCS staff representative will then contact you to discuss the feasibility of your location and desired tree species. A completed donor agreement and payment in full are required before any tree will be planted.
Tribute Tree Donation - $750
Tree Selection & Location
The exact tree species and planting site must be approved by PRCS staff. Locations will be selected in accordance with the Park System Master Plan and any applicable park site Master Plan. Only parks with an irrigation source are permitted in this program, which excludes Regional Parks and Open Spaces.
Planting Season
Applications are accepted throughout the year, but trees are only planted in the annual planting season, March to May respectively. Donors are not permitted to assist in the planting process.
Additional Guidelines
- Tribute Trees do not receive a plaque marker; however, the donor will receive a certificate from PRCS. Each tree donation is also entered into a permanent record maintained by PRCS staff. This record includes donor information, location of the tree and a photo from original planting.
- The Tribute Tree Program is not designed for broad community-sourced donations. Charitable acknowledgment is limited to one donor.
- Upon donation, Tribute Trees become the property of PRCS and will be maintained to PRCS park maintenance standards and schedules. All new trees in the system are cared for and watered individually for the first three years. One tree replacement is allowed within the first five years of planting, with the exception of a loss due to “acts of nature.”
- PRCS reserves the right to alter or remove any Tribute Tree in the system based on maintenance concerns, vandalism occurrences, and/or updates to the site Master Plan. Proper notice will be given to the donor prior to any action.
- The donor is responsible for updating contact information with the department as needed.
- PRCS staff will supply the donor with an acknowledgment letter at the end of the donation year for tax purposes. Donations to the City of Colorado Springs may be deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor.
Memorial Benches
Honor a loved one or special memory with a Memorial Bench in our parks. Your dedication provides a peaceful place for reflection while enhancing our community spaces for all to enjoy.
Application Process
To begin the Memorial Bench process, please review all the Memorial Bench information below, including the pre-approved locations, then submit a completed application. A completed donor agreement and payment in full are required before any bench will be installed.
Memorial Bench Donation - $4,400
Plaque Information
- Memorial Benches include a 10-year naming term where a mental plaque is installed on the bench in honor of a designated loved one. PRCS staff will contact each donor to renew the naming term for an additional donation at expiration (10 years). If renewal is not secured, the bench may be rededicated or removed.
- Plaque text requires final approval by the PRCS Department.
- PRCS reserves the right to alter or remove any Memorial Bench or plaque based on maintenance concerns, vandalism, societal sensitivity and/or updates to a site’s Master Plan. Proper notice will be given to the donor prior to any action taking place.
Bench Installation
Bench installation is normally done between August to October each year. Donors will be notified once the bench is installed. Donors are not permitted to assist with the construction or installation process.
Additional Guidelines
- This donation is for a Memorial Bench(s) to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department. Memorial Benches are the property of PRCS and will be maintained in accordance with department maintenance standards and schedules.
- On the rare occasion that a bench is damaged beyond repair, the donor will be contacted to discuss replacement funds or the removal of the bench.
- Donors are not authorized to paint, stain, or decorate the bench in any fashion. Personal items, including vases and flowers, should not be left on the bench. PRCS staff are not responsible for the loss of personal items and will remove all such items as needed.
- The donor is responsible for updating contact information with the department. This allows the PRCS to stay in contact with the donor (or their representative) for the full term of the agreement. PRCS will not be held responsible if donor contact information is outdated.
- PRCS staff will supply the donor with an acknowledgment letter at the end of the donation year for tax purposes. Donations to the City of Colorado Springs are charitable. Donors should consult with a tax advisor for deduction information.
Questions?
Contact
Phone Number: 719-385-5940
Address
1401 Recreation Way
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
United States