Parks Amenity Donation Program
The Regional District of Nanaimo's Parks Amenity Donation Program provides an opportunity for an individual, organization or service group to contribute toward park improvements in the RDN.
Common donation amenities include park benches and picnic tables. Other park improvements may also be considered through the Program on a case-by-case basis.
Process:
Review the Parks Amenity Donation Program Policy and Frequently Asked Questions below.
Submit a completed application to rdnparks [at] rdn.bc.ca.
Parks staff will contact you to review your application and confirm donation details, including the item being donated, the park and site location, plaque wording, and any other considerations. If your preferred location is not available, staff will suggest alternatives or add you to a waiting list for that location.
You will receive a final Park Amenity Donation Agreement summarizing all agreed details, including the total cost, confirmed amenity location, and plaque proof showing the exact wording (provided by the supplier). Please review the Park Donation Agreement carefully, sign, and return it along with payment.
Once your signed Park Amenity Donation Agreement and payment have been received, you will receive a tax receipt. Parks staff will then place the order for the amenity and plaque and schedule installation. Installation timelines will be provided at this stage.
Thank you for your interest in the Parks Amenity Donation Program. Your donation will be enjoyed by many park visitors for years to come.
FAQs
What parks are eligible for park amenity donations?
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. When assessing a location, Parks staff consider factors such as, environmental sensitivity (to protect natural areas), site access and safety, functional use of the space, and proximity to other site features.
These criteria help ensure that donated amenities are placed in suitable locations that complement the park’s design and purpose.
Where can I find a list of all RDN parks?
Use the RDN Parks Finder to explore all parks in the region. Please note that not all parks or locations within parks are eligible for amenity donations.
If you have a specific location in mind, submit your application or contact Parks Services for further details on suitability.
What can be donated?
The most popular donation is a park bench, but other park amenities such as picnic tables will be considered.
All benches and picnic tables provided through the donation program follow the RDN’s standard design to ensure consistency, durability, and ease of maintenance. Specific styles may vary slightly depending on the park setting.
If you would like to make a financial donation to the Regional District to support a specific park project or for general community benefit, please contact RDN Parks Services.
Can I choose the exact location for my donation?
You can suggest a preferred park and location, and Parks staff will review options with you. Final placement depends on site suitability and available space—some parks may already have the maximum number of amenities. If your preferred spot isn’t available, staff will suggest alternative locations or add you to a waiting list for that location.
What if a park already has the maximum number of benches or picnic tables?
If a park has reached its limit for benches or picnic tables, donors can request to be placed on a waiting list for that park. When an existing item’s 10-year term ends and is not renewed, it becomes available to the next donor on the list at the current donation amount noted on the application form. Parks staff will notify you when an item or location becomes available.
What is the donation amount?
Donation of a new bench or picnic table: (includes installation, 10-year maintenance of the amenity, and plaque)
Bench: $4,000
Picnic table: $4,500
Donation of an existing bench or picnic table: (includes 10-year maintenance of the amenity and plaque)
Existing bench: $3,000
Existing picnic table: $3,500
Renewal after 10-year term: (includes 10-year maintenance of the amenity, no plaque)
Bench $3,000
Picnic table: $3,500
Bench and Picnic Table Plaque Replacement (if requested): $1,000
Why do I need to renew my donation?
The park amenity donation program is fully funded through donations, not through tax requisition. Renewal donations support the ongoing maintenance and repair of donated benches and picnic tables.
Is the plaque included in the donation amount?
Yes. For both new and existing amenities, the donation amount includes the purchase and installation of a commemorative plaque Ongoing maintenance or replacement of the plaque is not included. Renewal donations do not include plaque replacement.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Once payment is received, the RDN will issue a tax receipt to the donor listed on the application.
Can more than one plaque be placed on the same bench or picnic table?
No. Each bench or picnic table can have only one plaque. If you wish to update the wording or replace the existing plaque, this can be done for a plaque replacement donation of $1,000.
Can I change the wording on my plaque?
Yes. Plaque wording can be changed or updated for a replacement donation of $1,000.
What is the recommended wording for plaques?
Messages should be uplifting, inspirational, or promote enjoyment of the park. Plaques are not intended to serve as memorial markers. Dates indicating lifetime or wording that creates a memorial of a deceased person will not be approved. The RDN reserves the right for final approval of plaque wording.
How long is the donation term?
The donation term for an amenity is 10 years, with the option to renew. If your donation is nearing the end of its term, please contact RDN Parks Services to discuss next steps.
What happens after 10 years?
At the end of the 10-year term, you may renew your donation for another 10 years at the renewal donation amount in effect at that time.
If your donation is nearing the end of its term, please contact RDN Parks Services to discuss next steps and renewal options.
What happens if the amenity is damaged or vandalized during the term?
If damage or vandalism occurs, the RDN will repair or replace the amenity at no cost to the donor during the 10-year term.
If the plaque is damaged, vandalized, or stolen, the donor may choose to replace it for a donation of $1,000.
When will my amenity be installed?
Following payment, allow 8-12 weeks for the installation. Timing may be affected by seasonal factors or if the amenity is part of a park construction project. You will be notified when installation is complete.
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