Tribute-Bench

Memorial/Tribute Benches

Honor your loved ones with a handcrafted carved bench placed in Schmeeckle Reserve. Each bench is a unique piece of art that is both beautiful and functional. Benches are constructed and carved by our talented student crew with a natural scene that represents the person or people who are being honored. Benches are installed at strategic locations throughout the Reserve to offer the best views of the natural landscape.

Funds from the sale of memorial/tribute benches directly support the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve.

View existing memorial/tribute benches installed in Schmeeckle.

Ordering a Memorial/Tribute Bench

Memorial benches are created in memory of someone who passed away. Tribute benches are made in honor of those who are still alive. Schmeeckle staff work with donors to choose an appropriate site for the bench and create a personalized carving for the backrest that represents the person being honored. Per Schmeeckle policy, names are not included on benches, but they are listed on this web page (see below).

Two different bench styles are available:

Park-style Bench

A medium-sized bench constructed out of beautiful Western red cedar. At 48″ wide, it can seat two adults comfortably. The backrest has an oval space for a personalized carving. Cost: $3,000 (includes construction, installation, and maintenance for life of bench)

Timber-style Bench

A large-sized bench constructed out of massive Western red cedar timbers. At 60″ wide, it can seat 3 adults comfortably. The entire 4″-thick backrest is heavily carved with a natural scene. Cost: $5,000 (includes construction, installation, and maintenance for life of bench)

Other trail enhancement projects may also be available, including swinging benches, shelters, and overlook decks.

Existing Memorial/Tribute Benches in Schmeeckle

The following benches and trail structures installed in Schmeeckle have been generously funded by friends and family in honor of their loved ones.

Tree planting bench: In memory of Helen Moberg

Installed: August 2023
Location: South shore of Lake Joanis, north of the Lake Forest Restoration area (view on map)
Description: Shaded by a large maple tree and adjacent to the Lake Forest Restoration area, this bench offers expansive views of the lake and island. The backrest shows tree seedlings being planted and the different stages of a forest being restored.
Donated by: Ed Moberg

Photographer bench: In memory of John Morser

Installed: June 2022
Location: Along the Green Circle Trail in the Berard Oaks Savanna (view on map)
Description: The bench is located on a small rise overlooking an oak savanna restoration area. The backrest features a photographer taking pictures of deer and a woodpecker on a large oak tree.

Mother with children bench: In memory of Cheryl Karr

Installed: May 2022
Location: Northeast shore of Lake Joanis (view on map)
Description: Nestled in a small alcove, the bench provides quiet views of the northern shoreline of the lake and island. The backrest shows a mother and her two children enjoying the lake view.
Donated by: Peggy and Kurt Slowinski

Stethoscope stream bench: In honor of Dr. Paul Munck

Installed: May 2021
Location: North shore of Lake Joanis (view on map)
Description: Prominent location provides views of the north side of the island and south shore of the lake. The backrest features two streams meeting and flowing into a pond, reminiscent of a stethoscope.

Bicycle bench: In memory of Dolores “Dodo” Richmond

Installed: September 2020
Location: South shore of Lake Joanis (view on map)
Description: Located in a secluded place just east of the canoe launch, the bench offers sweeping views of the island and northeast cove of Lake Joanis. The backrest features a woman bicycling through the woods along the lakeshore.

Canoe bench: In memory of Ann Halbach

Installed: August 2020
Location: South shore of Lake Joanis (view on map)
Description: Offers stunning views of Lake Joanis from the south shore. The backrest features a canoe on the shore of a lake surrounded by turtles and cattails. A quote is inscribed on the back: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Wooded trail bench: In memory of Judy Nantell

Installed: June 2019
Location: Northwest corner of Lake Joanis (view on map)
Description: Provides beautiful views across Lake Joanis from a perch on the northwest shore. The backrest features a trail through the woods with two people on a bridge looking out over a lake. A deer and Pileated Woodpecker watch over the scene.

Rabbits and turtles bench: In honor of Dan and Donna Marx

Installed: August 2014
Location: East shore of Lake Joanis (view on map)
Description: Offers inspiring views of Lake Joanis from a raised knoll on the east shore in front of a boulder. The backrest features carvings of rabbits, turtles, and lily pads along the edge of a lake. Even the arms of the bench are carved with critters.

Frog bench: In memory of Doug Post

Installed: March 2012
Location: Next to the Milano & Sciarrone bridge crossing over Moses Creek (view on map)
Description: Located next to the babbling Moses Creek, the bench provides a view of the expansive restored wetland. The backrest features carvings of different species of frogs found in Schmeeckle, along with dragonflies and wetland vegetation.

Moses Creek wetland overlook and swinging bench: In memory of Susan Lineberger

Installed: August 2011-February 2012
Location: Along the Green Circle Trail overlooking Moses Creek and the wetland restoration (view on map)
Description: The wetland overlook includes a wooden viewing deck over Moses Creek, a wildife viewing scope, and a swinging bench under a roof planted with vegetation. The bench backrest features a detailed carving of two Green Herons with wings extended wading in a wetland.