Commemrative Donation Program

Leave a lasting legacy in Dover's public spaces.

The City of Dover invites you to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or support your community by adopting a tree or bench through its Commemorative Donation Program. Authorized by the City Council through resolutions R-2020.10.14-172 and R-2023.08.23-135, the program enhances community spaces while providing a way to honor loved ones, celebrate special occasions, and/or support our public areas, leaving a meaningful legacy for everyone to enjoy.

The public may donate amenities such as trees, benches, chairs, granite blocks, cafe tables, picnic tables and bike racks. Donors can also purchase an inscribed plaque for the amenity. 

Final placement is subject to City approval and space availability. View a location list at the bottom of this page.

Donation Options and Cost

The prices below include the purchase, installation and ongoing maintenance of the amenity for 10 years. The cost may be adjusted annually to reflect the cost of procurement, installation and maintenance. 

General Park Donations:

  • Tree: $1,000
  • Steel-Backed Bench: $2,000
  • Wooden Picnic Table: $1,000
  • Bike Rack: $200
  • Tree Plaque: $300
  • Bench Plaque: $690

Nebi Park at Waterfront

  • Tree: $2,000
  • Modular Platform Bench: $3,500
  • Double Wide Bench: $1,500
  • Adirondack Chair: $300
  • Granite Block: $3,500
  • Plaque: $250

Application Process

  1. Complete the application, selecting amenity, location preference, and proposed inscription if seeking a plaque. 
  2. The city will review the application for availability and compliance with city standards. 
  3. Once approved, and full payment is submitted, the amenity will be ordered. 

Sponsorship Terms

  • Sponsorships are for 10 years. Donors may renew their sponsorship after 10 years.
  • City reserves the right to relocate items if needed for public use or improvements. In such cases, reasonable efforts will be made to notify the donor.
  • The City will replace a plaque one time at no cost if it is damaged or stolen within the 10-year window. The donor is responsible for the cost of any subsequent replacements.
  • New trees will be replaced once within two years of the original planting if deemed necessary by the City. Trees will not be replaced after two years.
  • The identity of the donors are public.

Questions?

Contact the Community Services' Facilities, Grounds, and Cemetery Division at 603-516-6480. 

Ready to Donate?

Complete the application.

Commemorative Donation Locations

Below are a list of public spaces. Have a different location in mind? Contact the City to see if its feasible. 

POCKET PARKS
Fish Ladder Park
Immigrants Park
Veterans Park
TOT LOTS
Alden Woods Playgrounds
Emerald Woods Playground
Overlook Playground
Sullivan Fields and Playground
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Amanda Howard Park
Applevale Park
Hancock Park
Morningside Park
Park Street Park
Spruce Lane Park
COMMUNITY PARKS
Bellamy Park
Dover Community Trail
Cochecho Riverwalk
Dover Skate Park
Garrison Hill Park
Henry Law Park
Joe Parks Riverwalk and Gardens
Long Hill Memorial Park
Maglaras Park
McConnell Center
Nebi Park
Rotary Gardens and Pavilion
Willand Pond Park
SCHOOL PARKS / ATHLETIC FIELDS
Frances G. Hopkins Elementary School at Horne Street
Garrison Elementary School
Shaw's Lane Athletic Fields
Woodman Park Elementary School