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Every Plaque Tells a Unique Story
Celebrate a Life Well-Lived & Honour Moments That Matter
For over 35 years, our Dedication Program has given friends and families a meaningful way to dedicate an existing bench in one of Calgary’s parks or along its pathways. In 2017, we expanded the Dedication Program to include picnic tables across the city.
A bench or a picnic table – which option is right for you? A dedicated bench offers a place for quiet reflection and remembrance, though some locations do have waitlists. Picnic tables are more widely available, with no waitlist in high-demand parks. The tables create welcoming spaces to gather, share a meal, and connect, with accessible seating that can accommodate strollers and mobility devices.
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I really love the Calgary dog culture and all the great off leash parks that we have. I wanted to leave some type of memorial for my best dog Cooper who passed away. I love sitting on the bench in the morning when the sun comes up.
Each plaque displays your uniquely designed inscription.
Share Your Story in Calgary’s Beautiful Parks
Each of the over 1,600 dedications carry a unique story through the words engraved on a customized plaque. You can build a legacy for a loved one or mark a life milestone, while contributing to renewing and enhancing our parks and pathways. Your donation supports the replacement of an existing bench and the annual maintenance over the term of a decade.
Cost
- Bench: $4,500 for a 10-year term
- Signature Park: $5,500 for a 10-year term
- Picnic Table: $6,500 for a 10-year term
The price includes the cost of the bench or table, custom plaque, installation, maintenance, and administration costs. Pricing subject to change.
Term
Each bench or table dedication last for a term of ten years.
At the end of the term, you will be contacted to ask if you would like to renew your dedication bench or table.
If you do not renew, the bench or table will become available for a new person to dedicate and your plaque can be returned to you.
Materials
Benches and tables are constructed from dark red Meranti wood, chosen both for its beauty and ability to withstand Calgary’s climate. The frame and legs are steel. A 3” X 10″ inset plaque contains your custom dedication message.
Plaques are installed on the backrest of the bench or at the centre of the tabletop.
Installation
From the time of the receipt of the donation in full, it will take approximately 10 to 16 weeks to complete the installation of a bench or table. Installation occurs between the months of May and October (weather permitting), but applications can be submitted year-round.
Pre-Approved Bench & Picnic Table Locations
There are several preapproved benches and tables all across the city.
The dedication process, from request to installation, can take between 4 and 6 months. For a quicker way to dedicate a bench or picnic table, our pre-approved locations offer a streamlined process, with dedications completed in approximately 10 weeks.
Pre-Approved Bench Locations:
Enjoy stunning views of the Bow River and downtown Calgary from our pre-approved benches located just outside of Bridgeland along the scenic Bow River pathway.
Pre-Approved Picnic Table Locations:
We also offer pre-approved picnic table sites in our signature parks, close to the water — perfect for peaceful, meaningful dedications.
For more information, and other pre-approved locations, please contact our Dedication Coordinator at [email protected].
How to Start Your Dedication
Step 1:
Use the Parks Wayfinder to find an existing bench or table.
Step 2:
Choose a location and consider:
- Where you’ve made memories
- Spots near childhood or family homes
- Local areas within walking distance for regular visits
- Scenic areas ideal for gathering, picnicking, and enjoying beautiful view
Step 3:
Read the Dedication Program Guide
Step 4:
Apply for your dedication to begin the application process by contacting our Dedication Program Coordinator using the form below.
Our Signature Parks
A signature park is a popular location where the demand is high and the increased park usage results in higher maintenance costs for dedication benches. These locations are in high demand due to their popularity and scenic views. There is currently a waitlist for benches in most of our signature parks, but we tend to see high availability for picnic tables in these areas.
1) Baker Park
2) Bowness Park
3) Confederation Park
4) Edworthy Park
5) North Glenmore Park
6) Prince’s Island Park
7) South Glenmore Park
8) Sandy Beach Park
Tax Receipts
The bench or table price is considered a non-refundable donation to Parks Foundation Calgary and a tax receipt will be issued for the respective full amount (see Tax Receipt Guidelines below). Orders must be paid in full prior to Parks Foundation Calgary confirming and commencing work.
More than one person can donate to a bench or table. Individual tax receipts will be issued to the donor whose name appears on the cheque or credit card. If you are providing a cash donation, please include your contact details so a tax receipt can be issued.
Certain conditions apply. For more information, please view the files listed below.
Read Terms & Conditions for Our Dedication Program
Review Parks Foundation's Privacy Policy
Review Our Donations & Issuing Tax Receipts Policy
Additional Information
Our Dedication Program acts as a replacement program. Suitable replacement candidates are generally older benches or tables (often painted brown or light green) with simple construction. When a donor confirms their dedication, the existing item is replaced with a new bench or picnic table featuring your commemorative plaque.
If your preferred location is currently full, our team can work with you to explore alternative options or place your request on the waitlist. Contact our Dedication Coordinator for the most up-to-date availability and assistance with next steps.
Questions?
We are happy to help! Contact our Dedication Program Coordinator at [email protected] or complete the inquiry form below.
Parks Foundation is a civic partner and qualified donee.
225 – 13 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2R 1N8