Recommendation to Approve the Memorial Amenity Policy

The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department is proposing a new Memorial Amenity Policy to standardize the process for donors who wish to memorialize individuals through amenities and plaques in city parks. The policy outlines eligibility, location selection criteria, and donation terms. Donors will be responsible for all costs associated with the amenity, including purchase, delivery, installation, and site preparation. Specific costs for amenities include a $5,000 concrete bench, a $6,000 Ironwood bench, and a $5,500 concrete picnic table. These costs cover the amenity, site preparation, installation, and ten (10) years of maintenance. The standard dedication period is ten years, with an option to renew for an additional ten years for a $1,000 renewal fee. Existing memorial benches will be grandfathered in under the new policy, with their ten-year term beginning on the policy's effective date. The policy also details requirements for plaque inscriptions, maintenance responsibilities, and the application and approval process, which typically takes 8–16 weeks from payment to installation.