Tribute Benches & Legacy Trees Available in County Parks

The Somerset County Park Foundation has announced a new program to provide an opportunity to pay tribute to family and close friends through a donation of a tree or park bench at a location within the Somerset County Park system.

A tax-deductible donation of $2,000.00 will earn the placement of a bench or tree with a plaque memorializing the contribution. The Park Foundation will maintain a listing of all plantings and benches with information including the donor and the person being honored or memorialized.

Tribute Benches are available in three styles conforming to the type of park in which the bench is to be placed. The criteria for the site list per park is based on the needs in each park and a determination of the maximum number of benches appropriate for each park. Maintenance of the bench will be the responsibility of the park staff.

The plaques on benches located in the gardens are 2” x 4” anodized aluminum plates, black with silver letters. The plaques on benches located in the parks and at the Environmental Education Center are 8” x 5” cast bronze plate with dark oxide stain background finish and with bronze letters. 

Living Legacy Trees provide individuals and organizations with the opportunity to honor people and commemorate special events by planting trees in Somerset County parks. Living Legacy Tree requests will be accepted year-round and planted in the spring or fall to give the trees the best chance to survive. Through communication between Park Commission Horticulture staff and the contributor, an approved species will be chosen based on the desired planting site.

A donor may also choose an already established tree, to be designated as a Tribute Tree.  A commemorative plaque engraved according to the donor’s specifications will be placed at the base of the tree.

For more information on the Tribute Bench or Living Legacy Tree program go to www.somersetcountyparks.org or call 908-722-1200, ext. 228.

The Somerset County Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) created to preserve, support, and promote Somerset County Park Commission programs, facilities, and open space through advocacy and fundraising.