On November 9, 2016, the City Commission passed Resolution No. 2016-29649 supporting the creation of an “Adopt-A-Bench Program” similar to the Central Park Conservancy’s program in New York City. The program provides the public an opportunity to adopt park benches for the commemoration of loved ones or special events, and would be an additional means to finance the beautification of City parks.
The Parks and Recreation Department received two applications for the Adopt-A-Bench Program (the “Program”) in 2017 and were referred to the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (“NCAC”) separately.
On December 20, 2017, the NCAC approved both Program applications, and discussed the cost of benches available for adoption under the Program. Considering these figures, the Committee made a motion to increase the Program’s $10,000.00 adoption fee to $20,000.00 for all future participants.
At the time of this memo, participation in the Program requires a $10,000.00 adoption fee, and benches are made available for re-adoption after 10 years. In the event a bench needed to be replaced within a donor’s 10-year adoption period, the cost of standard bench models used at our City’s parks may vary between $1,800.00 and $2,800.00 at current market rate. Program proposals requesting a new bench placement will incur initial costs associated with purchase, shipping, and installation.
Ongoing maintenance includes a monthly pressure wash and repairs as needed, at an estimated annual cost of $216.00 including labor, and the estimated cost for design, fabrication and installation of a 3”h x 10”w stainless steel plaque is $300.00.