You can memorialize your loved ones in an East Ferris municipal park, now that the Park Donation Program is in effect. That’s right, community members can purchase a bench or tree to honour someone close, which will be placed within a local park for all to enjoy.
Staff noted in a recent report, “These contributions not only serve as lasting tributes but also enhance the beauty and utility of our parks.”
From time to time the municipality receives requests from residents and community groups as well to purchase trees or benches as a memorial to a special person. To maintain consistency, the Park Donation Program was created, which details the type of bench available, the look of the commemorative plaques, and the types of trees available to plant.
As for the trees, there are two ways to go. You can adopt a tree to memorialize someone, or you can purchase one. The adoption option is simple. If you’re strolling a municipal park, and a certain tree captures your fancy, you can pick that tree to adopt. For $300 (plus tax) you can do just that, which includes your message on a plaque that will stand before your adoptee.
The commemorative tree is similar, however, in this case you pick the tree, and it’s planted within the park of your choice. It’s the more expensive tree option, costing $800 plus HST. You can choose between an Eastern white pine, white spruce, red maple, linden, or a mighty oak tree as these are all native species and should do well in the parks.
Benches are also available, and each bench will feature a personalized plaque with a message of remembrance or tribute. There will be one model available, chosen for its style and durability. Each bench includes the plaque, a cement slab, installation, and ongoing maintenance. The price is $2,600 plus HST.
Municipal staff will work with you to find the ideal location within your chosen park, and applications are accepted through the municipal office. One must apply to ensure that the memorial fits with the spirit of the program. For instance, no advertisements will be accepted, and odds are the town won’t let you memorialize your long-departed ’78 Vandura.
For more information, reach out to the municipal office at [email protected] or by phone at 705-752-2740.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
