Donate to Parks & Recreation

Honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone or help enhance Lenexa's parks by making a charitable gift through the Lenexa Parks & Recreation Donation Program.

Groups and individuals can donate or adopt amenities throughout the park system, including memorial trees, benches and other park improvements. Donations help beautify our parks while supporting their long-term care and maintenance.

Interested in supporting Lenexa's visual and performing arts programs? Visit the Lenexa Foundation to learn how you can make a difference.

Donations can:

  • Memorialize a loved one
  • Honor an individual or organization
  • Celebrate a special event or milestone
  • Support Lenexa parks and arts programs for future generations

Memorial trees

Plant a living tribute in one of Lenexa's parks or along a trail.

New memorial tree — $470

Includes:

  • Two-inch caliper tree
  • 5-by-8-inch bronze commemorative plaque
  • Custom inscription
  • Planting
  • Maintenance for 20 years

Trees are typically planted during the spring and fall. Locations are selected in coordination with Parks & Recreation staff to ensure the tree will thrive.

Adopt an existing tree — $350

Already have a favorite tree in a Lenexa park?

Adopt an existing City tree and receive:

  • Bronze commemorative plaque
  • Custom inscription
  • Maintenance for 20 years

Memorial benches

Create a lasting place for visitors to rest and enjoy Lenexa's parks.

New memorial bench — $1,300

Includes:

  • Recycled plastic park bench
  • Concrete pad
  • 5-by-8-inch bronze commemorative plaque
  • Custom inscription
  • Installation
  • Maintenance for 20 years

Adopt an existing bench — $975

Already have a favorite bench?

Adopt an existing bench and receive:

  • Bronze commemorative plaque
  • Custom inscription
  • Maintenance for 20 years

Other donation opportunities

The City may also accept donations or adoptions for other park amenities, including:

  • Shelters
  • Public art*
  • Historical items
  • Playground equipment
  • Drinking fountains
  • Recycling stations
  • Dog waste stations
  • Community garden plots or items to support the garden(s)
  • Cemetery items to support operations or beautification
  • Other park improvements
  • Parks & Recreation Scholarship Program

All proposed donations are reviewed to ensure they are appropriate for the requested location, compatible with City parks and practical to maintain. Final approval is required before installation.

*Art donations are reviewed separately by the Lenexa Arts Council. All proposed donations are subject to approval.

Frequently asked questions

How long is my donation recognized?

Tree and bench donations include maintenance and replacement for 20 years. At the end of the 20-year period, donors may renew their donation at the current rate. Other items are considered on a case by case basis.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

Can I choose the location?

You may request a location, but final placement is determined by Parks & Recreation staff and approved through the City's review process to ensure the donation is appropriate for the site.

Can my donation be relocated in the future?

Yes. While the City intends for donated items to remain in place, a tree, bench or other donated amenity may be relocated or modified if it is in the City's best interest. If this occurs, the City will attempt to notify the donor using the last known contact information.

When are trees planted?

Memorial trees are typically planted during the spring and fall, depending on weather conditions. 


Donation process

Online

Step 1.Propose a donation

Identify the donation you'd like to make to Lenexa Parks & Recreation. Choose the type of amenity, explain the purpose of your donation, identify your preferred location and include wording for the commemorative plaque (if applicable).

Submit application

Step 2.Staff and board review

Parks & Recreation staff will review your request and may contact you to discuss additional details. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (and Endowment Board, when required) will then review the proposal to ensure it aligns with our donation policy.

Staff will notify you of the decision and approved location for your donation.

Step 3.Submit payment

Once your donation is approved, make your check payable to the City of Lenexa and mail or deliver it to:

Lenexa Parks & Recreation
17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
Lenexa, KS 66219

Step 4.Installation timeline

After payment is received, staff will order your commemorative plaque (if applicable). Installation or planting is generally scheduled during the spring or fall, depending on weather conditions.