Tree & Bench Program

The Randolph Township Commemorative Tree and Bench Program offers donors the opportunity to dedicate a tree or a park bench in memory of a loved one or as a celebration of a special event such as a birth or marriage.

A different park or open space area is selected each year as the focus of the program by the Randolph Township Parks Advisory Committee. Donors may request a specific park or area, however, the final placement will be at the discretion of the Randolph Township Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Tree and bench dedications are typically held on the second Tuesday during the months of May and October.

• Commemorative Bench: Donation $1,575
  Includes the purchase and installation of a bench with a plaque indicating the name of the person or event commemorated.
  Deadline for May dedications: January 15
  Deadline for October dedications: June 15
• Commemorative Tree: Donation $375
  Includes the purchase and planting of the tree as well as a brass leaf of recognition indicating the name of the person or event commemorated to be installed on the commemorative tree plaque in the lobby of the community center.
  Deadline for May dedications: February 15
  Deadline for October dedications: July 14

Download the application form 

Funds will be held in a dedicated trust until purchases are made. Complete details of the program are available from the Randolph Township Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. For more information, contact them at 973.989.7081.

Program Rules and Guarantees

Commemorative Tree Program

The purpose of the commemorative tree program is to provide members of the community a means to recognize and honor others through a lasting tribute. The contribution made through this program will also benefit the township parks and the community as a whole.

Species and location:
Each year, the Randolph Township Parks Advisory Committee determines which park or open space area will be the focus of the commemorative tree program. Donors may request a specific park or area, however, the final placement will be at the discretion of the Randolph Township Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Selection of tree species will also be at the discretion of the department. Once location and species are determined, trees will be planted by the designated landscaper to township standards and specifications.

Commemorative plaque:
Each donation will be recognized by a brass leaf plaque inscribed either in honor of (name) or in memory of (name) followed by a single line noting the date. The plaques will be installed on the commemorative tree plaque in the lobby of the community center.

Maintenance:
The parks department staff will maintain the tree in the same manner as other park trees. Replacement of a commemorative tree is limited to the one-year warranty provided by the landscaper.

Certificate and diagram:
A certificate and a diagram showing the location of the commemorative tree will be sent to either the donor or to the recipient identified by the donor.

Deadline:
The deadline to order a tree is three months prior to the scheduled dedication. Dedications are held in May and October. Trees ordered after the deadline will be planted prior to the next scheduled dedication at the discretion of the department.

Limits:
The department reserves the right to limit the number of trees scheduled for the dedication ceremony. Additional dedication ceremonies may be held in either May or October, if necessary, to accommodate additional plantings.

Commemorative Bench Program

The purpose of the commemorative bench program is to provide members of the community and organizations a means to recognize and honor others through a lasting tribute. The contribution made through this program will also benefit the township parks and the community as a whole.

Location:
Each year, the Randolph Township Parks Advisory Committee determines which park or open space area will be the focus of the commemorative bench program. Donors may request a specific park or area, however, the final placement will be at the discretion of the Randolph Township Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. The style of the bench selected will also be under the control of the department. Once location is determined, the bench will be installed by township staff according to its standards and specifications.

Dedication:
A special dedication ceremony, open to the public, will be held in May or October. Placement of memorial wreaths and other items will not be permitted.

Commemorative plaque:
Each donation will be recognized by a brass plaque inscribed either in honor of (name) or in memory of (name) followed by a single line noting the occasion and the date(s). This plaque will be affixed to the bench.

Maintenance:
The parks department staff will maintain the bench in the same manner as other park benches. Benches and/or plaques damaged due to vandalism or any other reason will be replaced once without charge to the donor during the first year after installation.

Certificate and diagram:
A certificate and a diagram showing the location of the commemorative bench will be sent to either the donor or to the recipient identified by the donor.

Deadline:
The deadline to order a bench is four months prior to the scheduled dedication. Dedications are held in May and October. Benches ordered after the deadline will be installed prior to the next scheduled dedication at the discretion of the department.

Limits:
The department reserves the right to limit the number of benches scheduled for the dedication ceremony. Additional dedication ceremonies may be held in either May or October, if necessary, to accommodate additional installations.