Oak Brook Park District Foundation
Commemorative Program
Honor someone special, celebrate a meaningful milestone, or remember a loved one while supporting the parks, open spaces, facilities, programs, and community experiences that make Oak Brook a special place to live, work, and play.
A meaningful way to give
Honorary Gifts & Gifts in Lieu of Flowers
A gift to the Oak Brook Park District Foundation can be a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or remember someone who has made a lasting impact on your life.
When making a tribute gift, donors may indicate the individual they wish to honor or remember. The Foundation can acknowledge the gift to the honoree or their family, while individual gift amounts remain private.
Tribute gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors will receive an acknowledgment of their contribution.
Suggested language:
“In lieu of flowers or other gifts, honorary donations to the Oak Brook Park District Foundation are appreciated and can be made through the Donation page.”
Create a lasting tribute
Tribute Dedications
A tribute dedication offers a lasting way to honor a loved one, recognize a special milestone, or celebrate a connection to Oak Brook's parks and community.
Tribute opportunities are subject to availability and approval by the Oak Brook Park District. Donors may suggest a preferred location, but final placement is determined by Park District staff based on site conditions, park planning, accessibility, maintenance, and other operational considerations.
Program details
Choose a Commemorative Gift
Commemorative Tree
With the support of Park District staff, tribute trees are dedicated for the natural lifespan of the tree, which can vary based on species, age, and environmental conditions. If a tree fails within seven years, the Foundation will work with the donor to select a replacement tree.
- Only viable and healthy trees are dedicated.
- New commemorative trees are planted during the spring and fall planting seasons.
- Donors select a tree in consultation with the tribute gift specialist.
- Personalized inscriptions may include up to three lines with 30 total characters per line, including letters, spaces, and punctuation.
Commemorative Brick
Tribute bricks are available for dedication at Totem Plaza, located at the Central Park North Athletic Fields. Engraved tribute bricks are installed once a year in late spring.
- Bricks are guaranteed for the lifespan of the walkway and remain the property of the Park District.
- Placement is determined by Park District staff. Once installed, a brick remains in place for the lifespan of the walkway.
- When ordering, provide the honoree's full name when prompted.
- In the notes section, provide the three inscription lines for the 4 × 8-inch brick. Each line may contain up to 13 characters, including letters, spaces, and punctuation.
Commemorative Bench
With the support of Park District staff, donors may select an established bench on Park District grounds for dedication. Only established bench locations are available and all dedications are subject to availability.
- Tribute benches feature customized plaques and reserve naming rights for 10 years.
- The condition of the bench is assessed at the time of dedication.
- The bench type is determined by its location and by Park District staff.
- Personalized inscriptions may include up to two lines with 30 total characters per line, including letters, spaces, and punctuation.
Create a Meaningful Tribute
Honor a person, milestone, or memory while helping the Foundation strengthen Oak Brook's parks and community experiences.