Support Your Parks

Individual donors, groups, and businesses are encouraged to honor a person or event; memorialize a family member or colleague; or celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or another special event through a commemorative gift to the Department of Parks and Recreation. All donors receive a dated certificate, a map recording the placement of the gift, and recognition with a tag or plaque.

Trees

Landscape specialists will provide a selection of native and durable trees for planting in selected parks sites from September through May. These include shade, evergreen and flowering trees. Donations include the cost of a tree, a standard plaque, and maintenance for the life of the tree.

Commemorative Benches

Two styles of benches are offered including traditional wood and a bench made from recycled materials. Park staff can assist donors with styles, locations, and plaque design. Your donation includes the cost of a bench, plaque, and maintenance for the life of the bench. Prices vary by style.

Park Renovation & Amenities

Amenities including sculptures, interpretive signage, bike racks, drinking fountains, or other suitable items may be arranged on an individual basis with park staff. These projects vary in size, cost, and availability of sites. Requests will be handled individually and gifts will include item costs and maintenance fee. Your good stewardship of our parks and natural areas will provide a lasting legacy for future generations.

Guidelines

The donation of a tree, bench or another amenity to The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission's park system does not constitute ownership of the item, the land upon which it is situated, or the surrounding lands. Department of Parks and Recreation staff can accept only those commemorative gifts that are in alignment with the Commission's organizational mission and purpose. The Commission reserves the right to determine the suitability of all commemorative gifts and donations and expressly reserves the right to refuse any donation or commemorative gift. The Commission, in its sole discretion, will determine whether to repair or replace any of the commemorative gift items that are damaged, stolen or destroyed.