Bench & Picnic Table Dedication Program
NEW Dedication
Picnic Tables ACROSS THE CITY
Every bench tells a different story. Tell us yours.
For over 30 years, our Bench Dedication Program has allowed friends and families to dedicate an existing bench in one of Calgary’s numerous parks or along a pathway. Each of the over 1,400 benches carry a different story through the words engraved on a customized bronze plaque.
Parks Foundation Calgary expanded the dedication program in 2017 to include picnic tables across the city. These beautiful, brand-new tables are made from red meranti wood and seat up to six people. The tables also accommodate strollers and wheelchairs at one end. Have a picnic and enjoy your custom inscription on a memory plaque located in the centre of the table.
| Bench: | $4,500.00 each | 10 year term |
| Signature Bench: | $5,500.00 each | 10 year term |
| Picnic Table: | $6,500.00 each | 10 year term |
Benches and tables are constructed from dark red Meranti wood, chosen both for its beauty and ability to withstand Calgary’s climate. The frame and legs are steel. A 3” X 10″ inset bronze plaque contains your custom dedication message.
The price includes the cost of the bench or table, custom plaque, installation, maintenance, and administration costs. Annual maintenance is completed to ensure benches and tables retain their beauty over time.
At the end of the 10-year term, you will be contacted to ask if you would like to renew your dedication bench or table. If you do not renew, the bench or table will become available for a new person to dedicate.
* Signature Benches are located in Calgary’s most popular parks, where the demand is high, and the increased park usage results in higher maintenance costs.
The following parks are home to signature benches:
Baker Park
Bowness Park
Confederation Park
Edworthy Park
North Glenmore Park
South Glenmore Park
Sandy Beach Park
Prince’s Island (please note, we only allow direct memorial bench and table replacements if they are not renewed, and a new donor comes forward).
*Prices are subject to change.
“I really love the Calgary dog culture and all the great off leash parks that we have. I wanted to leave some type of memorial for my best dog Cooper who passed away. I love sitting on the bench in the morning when the sun comes up.”
~Jeffrey Engen
“I really love the Calgary dog culture and all the great off leash parks that we have. I wanted to leave some type of memorial for my best dog Cooper who passed away. I love sitting on the bench in the morning when the sun comes up.”
~Jeffery Engel
There are hundreds of available dedication benches and picnic tables across the city. The first step is to find one that is in a desirable location and confirm that the location meets the program requirements. Typically, you can donate toward a bench or picnic table if it does not have a dedication plaque presently or if a previous dedication has expired and the original donor chooses not to renew their location.
Please note: This is a replacement program, upgrading an existing undedicated city item with a brand-new dedication item, in the exact* same location.
*In some cases the bench may need to be set back a bit farther from an existing pathway or moved slightly to improve the view.
Brand new locations are typically not approved by the City of Calgary Parks Department. Good candidates for replacement are old benches or tables that are usually painted brown or light green are a simple construction. When a donor comes forward, a brand new bench or picnic table will be installed.
Please contact us to inquire about availability of the bench or table you wish to dedicate to begin the application process. Note that your donation towards a bench or table does not constitute ownership or give you priority use for the bench or table.
INSTALLATION
From the time of the receipt of the donation in full, it will take approximately 10 to 16 weeks to complete the installation of a bench or table. Installation occurs between the months of May and October (weather permitting), but applications can be submitted year-round.
The bench or table price is considered a non-refundable donation to Parks Foundation Calgary and a tax receipt will be issued for the respective full amount (see Tax Receipt Guidelines below). Orders must be paid in full prior to Parks Foundation Calgary confirming and commencing work.
More than one person can donate to a bench or table. Individual tax receipts will be issued to the donor whose name appears on the cheque or credit card. If you are providing a cash donation, please include your contact details so a tax receipt can be issued.
Certain conditions apply. For more information, please view the files listed below.
Dedication Program Terms and Conditions
Complete and submit the form below to inquire about availability in the area you are interested in and our Dedication Coordinator will contact you.