Rowntree Park is a special place for many people. It holds memories, connections and moments of meaning, and we understand why families and friends may wish to remember loved ones here.
Because the park is both a historic memorial landscape and a much loved public space, any new memorials must be carefully considered to ensure they are appropriate, sustainable and manageable long term.
The City of York Council has overall responsibility for the management of Rowntree Park, and our charity works in conjunction with them. The council have overall responsibility for memorials.
Memorial Benches
Memorial benches in Rowntree Park are managed by City of York Council. Benches must follow an approved design and can only be installed where space allows at the time of request. Unfortunately this means not all requests can be accommodated. Where benches are proposed near areas cared for by Friends of Rowntree Park volunteers, we work with the council to help advise on suitable locations. In 2025 the cost of a memorial bench was approximately £1200, please ask for updated pricing from the City of York Council when making your enquiry.
For bench enquiries please contact the council directly here.
Memorial planting
Occasionally memorial planting may be agreed, but only where it fits with the park’s planting plans and environmental conditions. This is something the Friends of Rowntree Park can support on if plants. However, tree requests go via the City of York Council.
Any memorial planting must:
• be agreed in advance
• use suitable species for the park’s conditions, including flooding
• take place in locations agreed with Friends of Rowntree Park and the council
Memorial trees are considered only in specific circumstances because they are a long term commitment and survival cannot be guaranteed.
Memorial plaques
A limited number of memorial plaques may be able to be accommodated in agreed locations. Plaques must follow a simple design and should only be installed with prior agreement from the council and Friends of Rowntree Park. Independent installation of plaques is not permitted.
Ashes and remains
The scattering or burial of ashes is not permitted anywhere within Rowntree Park. This is because ashes can affect soil and plant health, the park regularly floods, and volunteers frequently dig and work in planting areas.
We understand this may be disappointing and are always happy to talk about alternative ways to remember someone.
Temporary memorial items
Please do not leave temporary memorial items in the park such as flowers, balloons, photographs, candles or ornaments. These items can harm wildlife, create litter and add to the workload of volunteers who care for the park. Any items left may be removed sensitively.
Find out more
This page provides a summary of how memorials are approached in Rowntree Park. For full guidance, including how requests are considered and coordinated, please read the Rowntree Park Memorial Policy.