AVALON – In 2021, Avalon hit the pause button on its bench dedication program. At the time, Business Administrator Scott Wahl said the borough “was blessed with many generous residents who want to establish a memorial for someone who loved Avalon.”
He added, “We are simply over benched.”
The program that had friends and family dedicate benches in the borough has not yet been renewed.
This week, at the April 12 Avalon Council meeting, officials briefed the council on a new option, a tree dedication program.
The borough’s Environmental Commission and its Tree Committee have identified several existing trees in the borough that would be available for dedication. Monies received would be placed in a separate account for the benefit of the program and not commingled with general borough funds.
The municipal budget would continue to contain an annual amount, currently $7,000, for the replacement of dead or troubled trees.
Together, the efforts emphasize the borough’s commitment to its trees and the important role they play in the island’s environment.
