Community Corner

Shelby Township Sells Serenity with Commemoration Trees, Benches

Shelby Township sells commemoration benches and trees.

Did you know you can buy a little piece of Shelby Township's serenity.

Engraved park benches and trees can be purchased in honor of, or in memory of loved ones and placed at one of Shelby Township's parks.

Shelby Township Parks and Recreation Business Manager Cindy Martel told Patch the trees and benches are especially meaningful to people who use the parks often.

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Imagine if a mom who walks the park everyday lost her son. It would be nice to pass by his tree or take a seat on his bench,” she said. “I think it’s neat.”

The benches and trees can be placed at one of the following parks: Ford Field Central Park, Holland Ponds, Lombardo Park, Mae Stecker Park, River Bends Park, Whispering Woods Kiwanis Park and Woodall Neighborhood Park.

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

All of the spots for benches at the municipal hall's Heritage Gardens have already been filled.

"However, we have spots left at all the other parks and even spots along the River Bend trails," said Martel.

A commemoration tree along with a plaque at one of Shelby Township's parks runs about $250.

The Parks and Recreation Department said the purchaser can choose what kind of tree they would like place -- as long as it's a durable and pratical tree.

A Parks and Recreation foreman and the customer can then choose the perfect spot together.

A six-foot maintenance-free bench made from recyclable material and one engraved backboard costs $668 plus $200 for shipping.

The same bench made with two engraved plaques on the backboard would have the same shipping cost, but is sold for $858.

Martel said the benches have been very popular this year. The township has sold at least four benches in the past six months.

"Oftentimes the money is raised through fundraisers," said Martel.

For more information on how how to purchase a park bench or tree, visit www.shelbytwp.org.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here