Bench Donation Program

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is pleased to offer the Parks & Greenways Bench Donation Program.

Our Bench Donation Program offers a unique and meaningful way for area residents to honor and remember friends and loved ones, promote their company, recognize a civic group, or commemorate a special event. The program is designed to assist the PRCR, through donor funding, to install benches in and along Town parks and greenways that have been identified as appropriate and suitable.

Your donation of a park and/or greenway bench helps beautify our community, creates a sense of ownership and provides a meaningful amenity that thousands of users of the great outdoors can enjoy and appreciate.


Guidelines

  • The average cost of each bench is $1,000-$2,750, including inscription and installation. The Town will be responsible for the installation of each bench. However, all costs related to bench fabrication, installation and inscription/plaque shall be the responsibility of the donor.

  • Bench locations will be predetermined by the PRCR Department. PRCR will limit the number of memorial benches that can be placed within any park, open space, or other Wake Forest PRCR-maintained property.

  • The location of the bench and any inscription must be approved by the PRCR Park Maintenance Manager or his/her designee.

  • At the donor's option, the name of the loved one memorialized, honored or business will be inscribed on the bench.

  • The PRCR Department will make every reasonable effort to maintain benches but will not be responsible for acts of nature, damage or vandalism. At the PRCR's sole and absolute discretion, the Town may make repairs or replace memorial benches - but shall not be required to replace or repair.

  • The PRCR Department reserves the right to remove or relocate a bench if the Town determines that removal is in its best interest.

  • Non-perishable items, such as photos, plastic flowers and beads, are not permitted and will be removed.

  • Donations may be eligible for charitable receipts for income tax purposes. Please consult your tax advisor.


Process

  1. Contact Park Maintenance Manager Randy Hoyle to discuss bench placement and style options. Upon request, staff will review specific bench areas with interested donors. Please note: The bench style depends on the park/greenway location.

  2. Once an area and bench style have been determined, the donor must complete the naming rights application.

  3. If/when the application is approved, a check should be made out to Town of Wake Forest and mailed or delivered to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587

  4. PRCR crews will install the bench at the agreed upon location.


Deadline for naming rights application and check drop-off

  • March 1 - Benches to be installed in April

  • September 1 - Benches to be installed in October


Available Park & Greenway Locations

  • Taylor Street Park 

  • Joyner Park - Playground

  • R.H. Forrest Field - First base line

  • Tyler Run Park - Trail

  • Holding Park - Inclusive Playground

  • Smith Creek Soccer Center - Playground

  • Flaherty Park: Field 1- First base line; Greenway; Dam; Tennis Courts


Bench Styles & Average Cost

Holding Park Inclusive Playground - $1,000

Joyner Park playground - $2,750

Joyner Park greenways - $1,600

Other Parks/Greenways - $2,200

Note: Prices for bench and installation are subject to change. There may also be some ADA requirements that could impact the cost of installation.


Bench Donation Program
Parks Maintenance Manager
919-554-6184