Page last updated on February 23, 2026 at 10:21 pm
Memorial/Honorary Tree Program
The Parks and Recreation Department provides maintenance for the lifetime of the tree and will replace trees if they die or are damaged within 15 years of planting. Plaques are warranted for five years against theft or damages.
In the event of future park development, memorial/honorary trees may be relocated or replanted. Bloomington Parks and Recreation reserves the right to relocate trees within a park or to another city park.
Due to weather considerations and seasonal planting schedules, it is not possible to schedule ceremonies at the time of tree planting or plaque setting.
Exact planting locations within parks are determined by the city's urban forester to ensure the tree is in the proper location to grow and thrive. Donors may choose potential tree planting sites from aerial photos provided by the urban forester.
Installation of personal plaques, markers, etc. at the planting sites of honorary/memorial trees is not permitted. Small, unobtrusive decorations are permitted as long as they do not become unsightly, unkempt, or present an obstacle to grounds maintenance. The City of Bloomington and its staff are not responsible for maintaining decorations, or for decorations that are vandalized, damaged, removed, or stolen.
For more information about purchasing a memorial/honorary tree, emal the urban forester ([email protected]) or call 812-349-3716.
Memorial/Honorary Bench Program
The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department's Memorial/Honorary Bench Program provides an opportunity to honor or memorialize a loved one by placing a bench in or along a beautiful City of Bloomington park or trail.
The cost for one memorial/honorary bench is $2,500. This includes the bench and plaque, shipping, labor, and installation, as well as a concrete bench pad.
All benches are a specific type and style, purchased directly by the Department from a predetermined manufacturer of the Department's choosing. Benches are constructed of slatted steel, a material that has proven to be attractive, durable, and resistant to vandalism.
The Department will make every effort to honor the donor's choice of location for the bench; however, final approval regarding location shall be at the discretion of the Department. Benches are installed year 'round by Department staff, on a schedule based on availability of labor and material, weather conditions, condition of park grounds, and overall Department priorities.
A 2" x 10" personalized plaque is mounted to the back of the bench. The donor provides the text for the plaque to the Department, and the bench manufacturer provides a final proof of the plaque for the donor's review and approval.
Once the personalized plaque is approved by the donor, and the donor has made payment for the bench in full to the Department, the Department will place the bench order. Production time is normally six to eight weeks.
Please note that landscaping around the memorial/honorary bench is not provided. No landscaping or plantings may be installed without prior written approval of the Department. Unauthorized landscaping or planting of any kind may be removed by the Department without notice to or approval from the donor.
In the event the bench is vandalized, made unusable, or destroyed by any other unanticipated act or event, the Department will assume no responsibility for replacement of the bench, plaque, or any related appurtenances.
For more information about the Bloomington Memorial/Honorary Bench Program, email the Operations Coordinator ([email protected]) or call 812-349-3498.