Community Memorial Policy

If you are interested in creating or donating a memorial, contact the LFIA.

Costs, including the full purchase, delivery, and installation a bench, plant material or hardscape are paid for by donations to the LFIA Beautification Committee and arranged by the donor(s).

  • Placement of a memorial is dependent on the availability of a suitable space. Plaques can be placed on benches only.

  • Memorial benches are the Dumor Model 94-60 steel, bronze six-foot bench approved by the LFIA Beautification Committee. The manufacturer can affix an optional plaque with the name of the person and a short message. The LFIA Beautification Committee and the Newton Parks and Recreation Department will approve the location.

  • A memorial tree can be an ornamental or canopy type, the location of which is approved by the LFIA Beautification Committee and by the Newton Parks and Recreation Department.

    • Tree should be a minimum of 2 inches diameter or 7–8 feet tall – bound and burlapped (B&B), or in a container.

    • Purchase, delivery, and planting will be arranged by the donor in conjunction with the LFIA Beautification Committee.

    • Watering of the tree for the first three years (to ensure that the tree is healthy), is the responsibility of the donor(s).

    • Pruning, mulching, and other maintenance will be the responsibility of the LFIA Beautification Committee.

    • If a memorial tree dies after the first three (3) years, but within the next twelve (12) years, it will be replaced and paid for by the LFIA Beautification Committee.

    • If a tree dies after 25 years, the original donor will be notified (if contact information is available) and given the option to replace the tree or give up the spot for a new memorial.

  • Memorial landscape areas may include hardscape, trees, shrubs, and/or perennials, the location and design of which is approved by the LFIA Beautification Committee and by the Newton Parks and Recreation Department, and consistent with the Hamilton Park Master Plan.

    • Watering of the memorial landscaped area for the first three years of establishment is the responsibility of the donor(s).

    • Pruning, mulching and other maintenance will be the responsibility of the LFIA Beautification Committee