Benches and Plaques
Benches in the forest preserves create space for visitors to pause, rest, and reflect along a scenic trail. Your tribute bench donation will support the Forest Preserve District’s bench master plan. Locations are established by the District and subject to availability.
The condition of an existing recycled plastic bench is assessed prior to dedication and recommendation for approval or replacement will be made by District staff. The District will install a commemorative plaque on an existing bench after assessment.
Plaque installations on existing benches may be completed as they are received within an estimated timeframe of two months from the date of an approved application and receipt of fee. The fee is due prior to the start of work.
The Friends of the Forest Preserve District will install a new recycled plastic standard bench on a concrete pad. The commemorative plaque will be added to the bench after installation. The District will agree to keep your plaque in place on the bench for 10 years. Bench and/or plaque installations will be completed between April and October, weather permitting.
* We invite individuals with tribute benches installed before 2023, especially those in place for over 10 years, to consider renewing their support.
If you would like to dedicate a bench or plaque, please submit the form on this page or call Partnership & Philanthropy at 630-871-6400.
Bench and Plaque Inquiry
Terms for Tribute Bench and Commemorative Plaque Agreement
The terms of this agreement between the Friends of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, and the donor will be 10 years from the date of donation.
Tribute benches feature customized plaques for 10 years. After 10 years, you may opt to renew the tribute at rates in place at that time. If you opt not to renew, you may choose to receive the plaque from the original bench at the time it would need to be removed to accommodate bench maintenance, replacement, or the installation of a new tribute plaque.
The commemorative plaque is a 2.75 x 9” black-colored base with bronze letters. All text will be centered top-to-bottom and left-to-right. There is a maximum of five rows with 40 characters per row, including spaces.
The Friends of the Forest Preserve District and Forest Preserve District reserve the right to deny any plaque language for content and legibility.
If necessary, the Forest Preserve District has the right to temporarily remove the bench for maintenance or relocate it in consultation with the donor.