Bench Program

Honor a Loved One. Support Omaha Parks.

A bench is a lasting way to celebrate a life, mark a meaningful place, or honor a special connection to Omaha’s parks. 

How the program works

  1. Choose a bench option 
  2. Share general location preferences 
  3. Submit payment
  4. Approve plaque text and final placement 
  5. We coordinate installation with Parks and Recreation 

Bench Options

Park's Choice Benches

Park’s Choice Benches are available for $5,000. 

Place a bench where it is most needed from the list below. Includes engraved plaque.

Custom Location Benches

Custom Location Benches are available for $7,500. 

Dedicate a bench in an agreed upon custom location. Includes engraved plaque. 

Unsure where to donate a bench?

These parks are in great need:

  • Bemis Park
  • Brook Haven Park
  • Fontenelle Park (along trail)
  • Levi Carter Park (along trail)
  • Maple Village Park
  • Spring Lake Park (2-3 around the lagoon)
  • Roxbury Park
  • Gerald R. Ford Birthsite

The following parks are full and not accepting bench orders:

  • Memorial Park
  • Elmwood Park
  • Zorinsky Park
  • Walnut Grove Park
  • Riverfront Trail
  • Gene Leahy Mall/MECA

More Information

Bench Plaques

On the application, you will provide proposed copy for the bench plaque. Engraving is limited to about 65 characters.

Placement & Timing

Orders received by June 30 are installed by the end of the calendar year. Installation is coordinated with Omaha Parks and Recreation and completed according to the City’s schedule, weather permitting. We manage the process and will notify you once installation is complete.
 
We will work with park management to place your bench in your preferred location whenever possible. You may also allow our team to recommend the most appropriate placement within the park.

The Process

Your donation supports the cost of the bench, concrete pad, plaque, and installation by Omaha Parks and Recreation.

Once installed, the bench and plaque become property of the City of Omaha, which assumes responsibility for the maintenance and care for the functional life of the bench (estimated at 18-25 years), as determined solely by Omaha Parks and Recreation.

These donations qualify as a charitable contribution tax deduction as the Omaha Parks Foundation is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3).
Bench-only-Illustration

Have questions about the Bench Program?

Please contact:

Nicole Emerson
402-619-0865
nemerson@omahaparksfoundation.org