Memorials and Donations

The City of Tempe provides limited opportunities for memorials and commemorative donations in accordance with City policies, operational considerations, and applicable law. These options are intended to inform the public of available processes for recognizing individuals, events, or occasions, while ensuring the consistent and equitable management of City facilities, programs, and public spaces.

Participation in memorial or commemorative donation programs is voluntary and subject to availability. Not all requests may be approved.

The City currently offers two donation pathways:

Living Tree Program

The Living Tree Program allows for the planting of a tree in a City-designated location as a form of recognition or remembrance. Trees are managed as part of the City’s urban forestry program and are not intended to serve as individual or permanent memorial sites. Participation is subject to program guidelines and site availability.

Commemorative Donations

Commemorative donations that fall outside the Living Tree Program are reviewed in accordance with Tempe City Code Section 2-240(8). Under this process, City staff work with the applicant to review the proposed donation and ensure it aligns with City policies and operational standards. Eligible requests are then forwarded to the Parks, Recreation, Golf, and Double Butte Cemetery (PRGDBC) Advisory Board for consideration, acceptance, and implementation, as applicable.

Approval is not guaranteed and is subject to Board review and City requirements.