Park Amenity Donation Program 

Help make Summerland’s parks even better. The Park Amenity Donation Program lets individuals, families, businesses and community groups contribute a bench, picnic table, tree or other park amenity, with an optional plaque bearing a message of your choice.

   

Donations are made to the District of Summerland and are tax deductible. An official income tax receipt is issued for all donations of $50 or more.

Printable application form (PDF)

Available amenities and donation amounts

1. Apply. Complete the application form.
2. Review. Community Services Parks staff review your request in consultation with other District departments and confirm the location with you.
3. Payment. Once the donation and location are approved, staff will contact you to arrange payment.
4. Installation. Installation is completed within a reasonable time, depending on the item and the season. We’ll let you know when your amenity is in place.

Program guidelines

Location and approval

The District and the donor must both agree on the donated item and its location. Locations are selected in consultation with Parks staff and other District departments, and the District has final approval.

Ownership and maintenance

A donation does not grant ownership of the item, the land it sits on or the surrounding land. Donated items become District property and are maintained as part of the District’s regular inventory, at no further cost to the donor, for ten years from installation.

Relocation

The District may relocate a donated item if necessary. If changes to District infrastructure require its removal, the District will try to reinstall it close to the original location; if that isn’t possible, the item will be moved to another suitable location chosen by the District.

Ten-year term and renewal

At the end of the ten-year term, the original donor may renew the donation for another ten years under the program guidelines in effect at that time. If the donor does not wish to renew, or cannot be reached within the three months before the term ends, the item may be removed and the plaque returned to the donor. The item may then be offered to a new donor. Please keep your contact information up to date with the District.

Plaques

• Plaque size and material are standard and depend on the donated item. Oversized plaques are not permitted.
• We encourage messages that are uplifting, inspirational or celebrate enjoyment of the park — for example “Enjoy the view,” “Forever Loved,” “Loved by All,” “A Favourite Place,” a nickname or a favourite quotation.
• Plaques are not memorial markers. Birth and death dates, and wording that creates a memorial to a deceased person, are not permitted.
• Plaque wording is limited to 4 lines of up to 20 characters each, including spaces and punctuation.

Group donations and tax receipts

When several people contribute to one donation, a single donor must collect all funds. The tax receipt is issued to that donor unless, at the time of payment, a letter is provided listing the name, address and amount of each contributor.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose the exact location? You can request a park or specific spot. Staff will work with you to find a location that suits both you and the park; the District makes the final decision.

How long does installation take? It depends on the item and the time of year. Trees, for instance, are planted in suitable seasons. We’ll notify you once the installation is complete.

Can I replace an existing plaque? Yes — select “Replacement plaque” on the application form.

What happens after ten years? You’ll have the option to renew your donation for another ten years. See “Ten-year term and renewal” above.

Contact

Community Services
13205 Kelly Avenue, Box 159, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0
Phone: 250-494-0447
Email: recreation@summerland.ca