By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(July 16, 2020) The Berlin Parks Commission reviewed a draft of an agreement for a commemorative program at its meeting last Tuesday that will offer individuals, families or organizations an opportunity to memorialize an event or a loved one through the dedication of park amenities or living tributes.

Mary Bohlen

In the agreement, Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen included estimated costs of amenities, such as benches or picnic tables. Six-foot minimum benches made from recycled materials would be about $1,000. A child’s bench made from recycled materials is estimated to cost $800. A bike rack costs about $900. Picnic tables made from recycled materials range from $1,200-$1,500 based on size.

“I think it would be very helpful if we set out an example of what we think is appropriate and would be suitable, so that they would be throughout the parks, this is what we’re suggesting … because then it keeps it all the same,” said Commission member Patricia Dufendach.

Commission member Bruce Hyder suggested adding a bicycle service station to the list of amenities.

Plaques or engraving are not included in item cost as estimated. It was noted that prices represent the minimum donation and final costs will vary based on applicable shipping, installation and other charges. A $200 maintenance fee will also be applied.

The cost to the donor will be determined at time of purchase and agreed upon by the Parks Commission prior to ordering, the draft stated.

Items must be purchased through the Town of Berlin from an acceptable vendor. In addition, items must meet minimum standards as determined by the town.

For those interested in donating a living tribute, only native species are permitted. For new planting, the tree must be at least six-feet tall. The cost will be determined by the price of the tree plus a $100 care fee. Donors may purchase the tree through the town or directly from a source of their choosing, the draft stated.

The Parks Commission suggests the following tree species for the tributes: Crab Apple, Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, Fringe Tree and Serviceberry for flowering trees; American White Ash, American White Elm, American Beech, Hackberry, Honey Locust, Pin Oak, Red Maple, Red Oak, River Birch, Shagbark Hickory, Sugar Maple, White Oak and Willow Oak to provide shade; or American Holly, Loblolly Pine, Red Cedar, White Pine for evergreen.

Donors can suggest other native species, but they must be approved by the Parks Commission.

There is an option to transplant a tree to a Berlin park, but it must be approved by the Town of Berlin and Parks Commission. A $100 care fee will be applied.

A donor can also request flowers for a living tribute. A one-time donation of $150 will be allocated to the purchase and planting of flowers during the next Clean-Up Day, which is typically held on the closest Saturday to Earth Day.

Lastly, any monetary donations are accepted to benefit the overall maintenance of Berlin parks.

Donors will have to sign the agreement, accepting the conditions of the commemorative program.

Bohlen said she will make a few adjustments to the agreement, then present it to the commission again.

The final approval for the commemorative program agreement would then come from the mayor and council, Bohlen added.