How To Donate A Bench To A Loved One In Chester

CHESTER, NJ — Chester Borough is offering residents an opportunity to honor loved ones, commemorate special achievements, or preserve someone's legacy through its Park Bench Donation Program.

The program allows individuals and families to donate personalized benches that will be installed at designated locations along the borough's hiking and biking trails and in local parks.

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According to the borough, the benches are made from recycled plastic lumber, making them durable, environmentally friendly, and easy to maintain.

Each bench can be engraved with a name, memorial message, or other sentiment, providing a lasting tribute while adding seating for visitors to enjoy.

The cost of donating a bench is approximately $1,000, although the final price depends on manufacturer pricing and engraving costs. Residents are encouraged to contact the Chester Borough Recreation Department for current pricing.

The donation covers the bench, shipping, installation, a $20 engraving setup fee, and up to 50 characters of engraving across two lines.

Additional engraving costs $3 per character beyond the initial 50, with a maximum of 75 characters permitted across three lines. Spaces and punctuation count toward the character limit.

All engraving is completed in capital letters, with characters measuring two inches tall. Commercial advertising is not permitted.

Once a donation is received, the borough will order the bench and notify the donor of its installation date. Donors will also receive a commemorative certificate identifying the person being honored.

Chester Borough will assume responsibility for maintaining and repairing the benches, including addressing any vandalism. The borough asks that flowers, wreaths, photographs, and other decorations not be placed at bench locations.

Donations may be eligible for charitable tax treatment, although residents should consult a tax advisor.

How To Donate

Interested residents can complete the borough's Memorial Park Bench Donation Form and submit it with a check payable to the Chester Borough Memorial Bench Trust.

Completed forms and payments should be mailed or delivered to:

Chester Borough Recreation Department
50 North Road
Chester, NJ 07930

Donors will receive a proof of their proposed engraving for approval before installation.

For additional information, residents can contact the Chester Borough Recreation Department.