Downtown Commemorative Bench Program

You can donate a bench downtown commemorating a loved one or recognizing the contributions of a community member. Commemorative donation benches are a standard 6' long black steel bench with a custom-engraved bronze plaque that is inset into backrests, so it lies flush. Read more about the program.

Bench Locations

The Engineering department staff has compiled a list of candidate locations for bench installation in and around the downtown core area. Refer to the interactive map of these locations or read the Bench Location List PDF displaying the candidate bench locations.

Please note:

• Requests for locations outside the Engineering department’s list of candidates will be considered, but they are significantly less likely to be granted approval.
• Requests for commemorative bench installations in Lafayette Plaza will be denied.

Bench and Plaque Design Standards

Six-foot-long, black, steel benches with vertical slats have been set as the City standard for this program to ensure aesthetic consistency. Plaques measure four inches high by six inches wide and have a bronze double line border around a black background with raised bronze lettering. Only one plaque is allowed per bench.

Plaque Inscription Standards

Plaque inscriptions can be a maximum of 4 lines, with a maximum of 17 characters per line. Spaces are counted as characters. Inscriptions use Minion Pro font with only capital letters.

Inscriptions are proposed by donors and are subject to approval by City staff. Requests for plaque inscriptions that are deemed inappropriate or unrelated to the goal of honoring community members or donors will be denied.

Application & Payment

To participate in the Downtown Commemorative Bench Program, please complete the Commemorative Bench Application Form. 

After your application is submitted, you will receive an invoice for the application fee ($165 as of 2025). Review of your application will not begin until the fee has been paid. 

Payment options: 

Payments by check or cash may be mailed or delivered in person to: 

City of Lafayette – Public Works Department 
3675 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 210 
Lafayette, CA 94549 

You may submit your application either by completing the online form or by printing the bench application (PDF) and returning it to the Public Works Department at the above address. 

Once your application is approved, a donation is required to cover materials and installation for a new commemorative bench. As of 2025, the minimum donation is $4,000. An invoice will be issued in the same manner as the application fee, and the City will not place the bench order until the donation is received. 

Questions

The Downtown Commemorative Bench Program is managed by the Public Works Director, Mike Moran. Questions about the program can be directed to him through email or phone at 925-299-3203.

Note: If you are interested in donating benches, trees, picnic tables, drinking fountains or other pre-approved amenities in a city-owned park, trail or recreation area, contact the Parks, Trails & Recreation Department about opportunities to donate a park amenity.