Fredonia starts program for residents to honor loved ones

Fredonia residents can now dedicate a park bench or tree to a loved one under a new program recently approved by the Village Board.

The Memorial Bench and Tree Program allows residents to choose a tree or bench type and have them planted or installed in a village park with a plaque “to honor someone special, to remember a loved one, or to recognize a special event or achievement,” according to a program brochure that will be mailed out with village water bills this month. 

The program was approved after several village residents inquired whether such a program existed.

Any tree will be considered but recommended species include London lanetree, swamp white oak, bitternut hickory, Serbian spruce, white pine and dawn redwood.

Planted trees will be approximately 1-1⁄2 to two inches in diameter and 7 to 10 feet tall.

The cost of planting a memorial tree is $500. A non-corrosive cast bronze plaque is included in the cost. 

The type of tree and plaque language must be approved by the village clerk and public works director. No additional marker, decorations or signage is allowed on benches.

Likewise donors can choose from a predetermined list of bench types and their installation location. The cost ranges from $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the location and style of the bench.

Benches and trees will be installed during business hours. A ceremony or gathering at the installation is permitted but must be arranged in advance with village staff.

The bench and tree will be owned by the village, which will maintain them. The village also will maintain a permanent record of the donation and all pertinent information such as the donor’s name, plaque inscription, tree and bench type and location.

For more information, contact the village at the Fredonia Government Center, 242 Fredonia Ave., or call 692-9125.