The purpose of this chapter is to establish a Memorial Bench Program that provides residents, families, and organizations an opportunity to honor or memorialize a loved one, friend, or community member by sponsoring a bench in one of the Township's public parks or other public areas. The program is intended to enhance the beauty and usability of Township parks while creating lasting tributes, subject to the parameters, guidelines, and procedures set forth herein.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Chesterfield 12-11-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-12. Amendments noted where applicable.]
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Editor's Note: Former Ch. 33, Length of Service Awards Program, adopted 8-24-2000 by Ord. No. 2000-16, as amended, was repealed 12-27-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-25.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Means the individual, group, or entity being memorialized through the sponsorship of a bench.
Means the individual, family, group, or organization providing the donation for the bench.
Means the Township of Chesterfield.
A.
The honoree must have resided in Chesterfield Township or have a significant connection to the community, including but not limited to long-time volunteer service, family ties, or notable contribution to the Township.
B.
Sponsors may be individuals, families, groups, or organizations.
C.
All applications shall be subject to approval by the Township Committee or a designated Memorial Bench Review Committee.
D.
The Township reserves the right to reject any application if the proposed engraving, placement, or any other aspect of the request does not align with community standards, public safety, or the best interests of the Township.
A.
The donation fee shall be $1,500 per bench, which shall cover the cost of the bench, custom plaque, shipping, and installation.
B.
The donation fee shall be subject to annual review and adjustment by resolution of the Township Committee based on material and installation cost fluctuations.
C.
Payment shall be made in full upon approval of the application. Checks shall be made payable to "Chesterfield Township" and delivered or mailed to the Township Municipal Building.
D.
No refunds shall be issued once the bench has been ordered.
A.
Each bench shall include a commemorative plaque affixed to the backrest or seat.
B.
Plaques shall be limited to a maximum of three lines of text, with up to 34 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation).
C.
Text shall be in capital letters and may include names, dates, and a short memorial message (e.g., "IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN DOE/BELOVED FATHER AND FRIEND/1950-2025").
D.
All proposed wording shall be subject to Township approval to ensure appropriateness. Graphics, logos, or offensive language shall not be permitted.
A.
Benches may be placed in approved Chesterfield Township parks or public spaces, such as walking paths, scenic overlooks, or seating areas.
B.
Sponsors may suggest a preferred location, but final placement shall be determined by the Township Committee in conjunction with the Township Public Works Department based on site suitability, safety, accessibility, and park design.
C.
The Township may relocate or remove benches if necessary due to park improvements, damage, or other municipal needs.
A.
Applicants shall complete the Memorial Bench Authorization and Request Form, which shall be made available at the Township Municipal Building and on the Township website.
B.
Completed forms shall be submitted to the Municipal Clerk's Office at the Chesterfield Township Municipal Building, 295 Bordentown-Chesterfield Road, Chesterfield, NJ 08515, or via the Township webpage.
C.
Applications shall be reviewed as necessary and as determined by the Memorial Bench Review Committee.
D.
Upon approval, the applicant shall submit payment to finalize the request.
E.
A proof of the plaque engraving shall be provided to the sponsor for approval before production.
A.
Approved benches shall be installed annually in the spring (weather permitting), typically between April and June but the ultimate decision as to same shall be made by the Township Committee in consultation with the Department of Public Works.
B.
Sponsors shall be notified of the installation date.
C.
Applications shall be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with an anticipated timeline of four to eight weeks for bench ordering and up to six months for installation depending on the review cycle.
A.
The Township shall be responsible for routine maintenance of the benches as part of public park upkeep.
B.
The Township shall repair or replace benches damaged by vandalism or natural wear within the first five years of installation, at its discretion.
C.
After five years, maintenance shall be provided as resources allow. Sponsors may request repairs at their own expense with Township approval.
A.
The memorial dedication shall be honored for an initial period of 10 years from the date of installation.
B.
At the end of the initial term, sponsors may renew the dedication for an additional 10 years upon payment of a renewal fee of $500 to cover ongoing maintenance.
C.
If the dedication is not renewed, the bench may remain in place, but the plaque may be removed, and the bench repurposed for general public use.
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter shall be declared invalid for any reason whatsoever by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this chapter, which shall continue in full force and effect, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with or in conflict with this chapter are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency or conflict.
This chapter shall take effect immediately upon final passage and publication as required by law.