The city of Jacksonville Beach is offering the chance to honor someone special, celebrate an occasion, or remember loved ones and pets by donating a tree or bench to the community.
The Memorial Tree and Bench program helps to continue clean air, control erosion, beautify city parks, ease noise pollution and more. Available locations for tree planting and bench placement include 12th Avenue South Park, The Carver Center, Gonzales Park, Huguenot Park, Paws Park, Penman Park, Rotary Park, South Beach Park & Sunshine Playground, Tall Pines Park, and Wingate Park. There are four options to participate in the program: A new tree can be planted for $750, an existing tree can be adopted in one of the city parks for $100, a bench can be placed in a city park of your choice or at the discretion of the city for $1,500, or an existing bench can be adopted for $100. All options include a commemorative certificate and a map of the tree or bench location. Donations for commemorate plaques for either trees or benches are $450.
The Memorial Tree and Bench Program is subject to the guidelines set forth by Jacksonville Beach's Parks & Recreation Department. Memory trees and benches are not memorials and may not be decorated with flowers, ribbons, photos or other items. The dimensions of all plaques are 10”L x 4”W x 3/8”D. Two standard markers are available with the same standardized verbiage: "In Honor Of" or "In Memory Of," followed by the name of the loved one. All language on tree and bench plaques is subject to approval by the city. Tree planting and bench placement locations are at the discretion of the city of Jacksonville Beach with recommendations by donors. The Parks & Recreation Department will determine a planting site that is best suited to the survival of the tree. No trees or benches shall be planted or placed without prior approval from the city. The city of Jacksonville Beach is not responsible for any loss or damage, including but not limited to theft, vandalism or natural disaster, that may occur to the tree, marker or bench.
While trees may be ordered at any time, they will only be planted during their dormant phase. In the event a tree must be permanently removed, the donor may adopt an existing tree at no charge. The city will relocate the memorial plaque to the new location if this occurs.
In the event a bench must be permanently removed, the city will, when feasible, seek an alternate location consistent with the guidelines. If no alternate location can be found, the memorial bench, at the donor’s request, may be given to the donor.
Pricing is based on current valuation, installation and upkeep. Additional funds are reserved for park development and tree replacement. Pricing is subject to change. Perpetual care and maintenance of the trees and benches shall remain with and under the control of the city of Jacksonville Beach, and shall be maintained as outlined in the Memorial Tree and Bench Program Guidelines.
