Common memorial purchases are trees and park benches, however, LARPD and the LARPD Foundation are open to other suggestions. It is even possible to install amenities in a dog park in memory of a loved pet.

The money that the LARPD Foundation receives for memorial/commemorative items is used to pay for the item itself and the remainder is kept by the LARPD Foundation for other purchases to support LARPD or its program participants.  As such, these purchases constitute a fundraiser for the LARPD Foundation and are not a tax-deductible purchase. 

The one-time fee for a:

• 15 gallon tree is $1000

The type of tree that will be planted and the exact location is determined by the Parks and Facilities Manager, though you are invited to give suggestions.  

The one-time fee for a park bench is $5,000 and includes an engraved plaque (wording is subject to the approval of the General Manager). 

Please note that all costs and bench styles are subject to change.
 

Yes, if it can be coordinated with the Parks and Open Space staff. Tree plantings and bench installations in non-Open Space parks are typically done in the mornings (8am-11am), Monday through Friday. For bench installations at Open Space parks, Open Space staff can generally accommodate requested days and times. For all installations and plantings, weather conditions and/or staffing levels may impact when they can occur.

It’s very easy, simply contact Eileen Lazar by phone at (925) 960-2480 or by e-mail at elazar@larpd.org and discuss your interest with her.  Eileen can help explain the various kinds of purchases and help guide you through the process.  
 

Possibly.  The Parks and Facilities Manager will try to find a site that will have adequate water for your newly planted tree.  However, if you want your tree planted in a specific location and adequate water is not available (water for grass typically goes four inches down while tree roots need  to be much deeper), then  you would need to hand water your tree a couple times a week during hot months, possibly for two years or longer, depending on how well the tree roots and matures.  Parks staff will prune the tree.
 

Unfortunately, LARPD does not accept tree donations in Open Space parks due to the low survival rate (there is no established irrigation).  Trees may be donated to non-Open Space parks.  
 

LARPD’s naming policy states that to be considered for such recognition, individuals must have been gone for a minimum of 5 years before their name can be proposed. At that point, please write a letter or email to the General Manager giving the background and significance of the person you wish to honor and what you would suggest should be named for the person (park, sports field, playground, etc.).

If you are purchasing a bench, you may propose wording that you’d like, including your loved one’s name.  The wording is subject to the General Manager’s approval.  In addition, small wooden boards (approximately 8x10 inches) hang between the front doors of the Robert Livermore Community Center.  Brass plates (approximately 1x3 inches) are engraved and mounted on the plaque and include the   
person’s name, park and date of the donation. 

If you are purchasing a tree, no marker or signage is placed near the tree.  The name of your loved one and the park, however, will be placed on the plaque as described above for benches.  

If you are purchasing another item, such as a large shade structure or a building, staff may determine if your name, company name, or the name of your loved one should be placed on or near the structure.