The Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities offers the community a personal opportunity to honor a friend or loved one by adopting a bench at one of our parks.

When you adopt, City Staff will install a personalized plaque on either an existing or a new park bench. The plaques take about 8 weeks for production and installation, You can write the plaque inscription yourself or let the recipient write their own.

COSTS:

Add plaque to existing bench: $800

Install new black steel bench without a plaque: $1,400*

Install new black steel bench with a plaque: $1,600*

Install new wood bench without a plaque: $1,875*

Install new wood bench with a plaque: $2,175*

*In addition to the pricing above, an installation quote will be provided based on site conditions and requirements for new benches.

Full payment must be received before you can reserve a bench. Payment instructions will be sent. Multiple donors may contribute through honorary or memorial funds. Bench adoptions are fully tax-deductible, and payment can be made by check, or credit card.

All new benches require on-site placement consultation with park staff.

To adopt a bench, please submit the form and consult with the PARKnership Manager to identify a location. If undecided, we are happy to meet with you at a park and show you different bench opportunities.

For more information, contact the PARKnership Manager, Lucresha Murphy at: lucresha.murphy@alexandriava.gov

Adopt-a-Bench Policies: The follow policies apply to all adopt a bench donations:

• Donated benches are the property of the City and are maintained at the same level as other park benches.

• The City retains the right to relocate a donated bench in a new location. Park Planning staff will attempt to contact the donor to select the new location, but Park Planning staff will make the final decision.

• Bench styles are consistent with the Park Facility Standards Manual and are installed according to these standards. Benches and plaques are anticipated to require replacement after 20 years or ordinary and normal use.

• If plaques and/or benches are damaged during the life of the bench, the City will replace the plaque and or bench at no cost.