The Borough of Somerville Memorial Bench Program is a great way to honor someone special, and to contribute to the enhancement of our parks for years to come. Your contribution will provide park visitors with a place to relax and enjoy all that Somerville Parks have to offer.
Cost: The price is $1300 which includes the cost of a six-foot bench, freight, labor & materials for installation, and a commemorative plaque. (Price is subject to change.)
Dedication: The dedication plaque can include a simple message about the person being honored. All bench locations and dedication plaque inscriptions are subject to review and approval by the Borough of Somerville. It is the intent of the Borough to honor dedications as a personal expression while at the same time, providing stewardship and oversight for public land to keep those spaces welcoming, safe, and accessible for everyone.
All dedications become property of the Borough of Somerville. The Borough will handle the care and routine maintenance of the park bench and will assume responsibility for the replacement should the bench be damaged or vandalized within a period of five years.
Placement: Many of our parks have space for additional benches, however applications are received on a first come, first served basis. If you have a location in mind, a representative from the town will meet with you on site to discuss the location and alternatives if needed.
Installation: The order time for new benches is approximately eight weeks from receipt of payment. Upon receipt of the bench the Department of Public Works Department may require a minimum of two weeks to arrange installation. Notwithstanding, depending on the time of year, as well as the conditions of the desired location, installation may not occur for several months.
Thank you for your interest in our program. Your generosity will enhance our recreational areas and afford the public the opportunity to sit and enjoy the beauty of Somerville.
Please contact Kathy Gerndt, Director of Recreation, at 908-704-6985 or kgerndt@somervillenj.org for further information.