Parks and Recreation Donations

We provide the opportunity for members of our community to donate to our park system in honor of loved ones. In order to allow for a coordinated and consistent program for soliciting and recognizing contributions, we have established the following guidelines. The guidelines were developed based on research on the best practices of similar agencies nationwide, the needs and resource capabilities of the Parks and Recreation Department and the desire of residents to recognize loved ones through monetary contributions providing for specific lasting memorials.

The Parks and Recreation Department stewardship donation guidelines allow for several types of opportunities. We encourage residents to contact the department to discuss ideas for locations for donations, however final donation locations will be dependent on the needs of the department and planning processes already underway.

Donations to the City of Boulder may be tax deductible. (Please see your tax advisor.)

Donations will be accepted in the following categories:

• Living Legacy tree donations: Living memorial donations will be accepted in the form of tree plantings in city parks.
• Stewardship bench donations : Memorial bench donations will be considered within the city park system.
• General donations: Donations for general park and recreation purposes are accepted and encouraged.
• Statues, Fountains, Plazas, Gardens, etc.: Donations of statues, fountains, plazas, gardens, etc. may be accepted under specific circumstances. The Department will determine placement of all such memorials.
• Park Naming Opportunities: Naming of a park as a memorial may be submitted under the Parks and Recreation Department's Park Naming Policy.

The Living Legacy tree program provides individuals and organizations with the opportunity to honor people and commemorate special events by planting trees in city parks within the City of Boulder.

Trees may be donated by individuals in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate special events such as the birth of a child, or to observe a wedding. Businesses may wish to dedicate a tree to an outstanding employee, a new building, or upon reaching certain milestones. Other organizations may want to dedicate a tree as a living asset to the surrounding community.

Boulder’s extensive city parks system is continually growing and trees are a great way to increase the beauty of our city and provide countless benefits to this community. Your tax-deductible contribution will be used to purchase trees to be planted in the Boulder parks system and the City Urban Forestry Section personnel will care for the trees. Contributions for one or more trees are gratefully accepted. It is a departmental policy that markers or plaques are not allowed to be placed by the tree.

Although we accept living legacy requests year round, trees will only be planted in the spring or fall to give the trees the best chance to survive. Through communication between Urban Forestry staff and the contributor, an approved species will be chosen based on the desired planting site. Deciduous trees will be at least 2 inches in diameter (approximately 10 to 12 feet tall) and evergreen trees will be 5 to 6 feet in height. Most trees cost $350, but the price may vary due to species, size, and time of purchase.

Living Legacy contributors are always welcome to attend the tree planting. If you have any questions regarding the Living Legacy Program please contact Forestry Staff at 303-441-4406.

The Parks and Recreation Bench Stewardship Program allows community members to make a stewardship donation to the department for the purchase, replacement, or refurbishment and maintenance of a park bench. The bench stewardship donation includes a plaque commemorating a person for the life of the bench. The bench stewardship program is a way to honor a loved one while supporting the ongoing maintenance of Boulder’s park system.

How to apply

• Review the Program Manual PDF
• Memorial Bench Application Form

To apply for a memorial bench in 2023, applications must be received by August 2023.

Applications are accepted in the order in which they are received and based on location availability within the parks. Flexibility on bench placement increases the chances that we will be able to accommodate your request for a bench. Staff will follow up with all applicants in September 2023 regarding the status of their application. Please email Charlotte O'Donnell with any questions at odonnellc@bouldercolorado.gov.

General donations gifted to the Parks and Recreation department will be acknowledged by a letter from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Funds generated by these donations will be used to best meet current needs of the department as determined by the Director. From time to time, the department may be accepting donations for a specific project to benefit the department. A list of opportunities for project-specific donations will be maintained and provided to those who express interest.

Memorial Donations which are large in scale are generally not encouraged. To the extent that projects of this nature are consistent with park planning processes they may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Donors may contact the department to discuss their idea.

In addition to the above memorial donation opportunities, donations may be made to the -Play Boulder Foundation The foundation supports and advocates for parks and recreation programs and services in the Boulder area.

To request a donation for your group or organization, please write a letter with your request on organization stationary or letterhead including your tax exempt number. Donations are only made to schools and organizations within City of Boulder city limits that are in alignment with the Parks and Recreation Department mission and goals.

Letters are accepted as email attachments or in the US mail.

NOTE: We have suspended donation requests for group or organization at this time. This page will be updated as we are able to review requests and make donations.