Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry acknowledges that many park areas have special meaning to our patrons and their loved ones. The Parks Department receives requests for installation of memorials and commemorations within the parks each year. We are pleased to provide patrons with the opportunity to memorialize a loved one or special event through the installation of one of our most important natural resources: trees.
For more information about the Parks Department Commemorative Tree Program, including how to apply for a commemorative tree, please use the links below:
Commemorative Tree Program and Procedure
Commemorative Tree Application
Commemoration Information
Trees have been planted in memory of the following individuals:
In Memory Of: Jaqueline Denise Potter
Tree Location: Akron Falls Park - Cummings Lodge
Tree Species: Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Tree Planted: September 2023
Location of Tree: 43.013193, -78.479139
Jaqueline died on 8/8/23 surrounded by family after a brief illness. She was a union carpenter in Upstate New York for over 30 years, and she was also an instructor to the next generation of union carpenters. Jacqueline is remembered most fondly by her one and only grandchild, Maxwell Daniel Murray, age 6. "Grandma Jackie" was Max's best friend and confidant. We hope that this tree will be a place where her family will celebrate and remember her.
In Memory Of: Daryl R. VanAlstyne
A gift from: Daryl's Children: Jared, Brett, and Lindsey VanAlstyne
Tree Location: Chestnut Ridge Park - by Martin and MacKinnon Lodges
Tree Species: Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
Tree Planted: November 2023
Location of Tree: 42.71405 - 78.74357
Daryl R. VanAlstyne of Orchard Park, NY died unexpectedly on May 29, 2021 following a tragic bicycle accident. He was a lifelong resident of Western New York and considered himself a teacher and habitual student. Daryl was happiest when outside experiencing the majesty of God's creation, tending to growing things and people, and spending time with his grandchildren. His smile was greatest when he was doing all three! Daryl was a persistent visitor to Chestnut Ridge Park and he often spent time with his children and grandchildren there. Many happy memories were made with the people who knew him best alongside the trails and trees in Chestnut Ridge and we hope that this tree will be a place for his family and friends to remember him and share in the enjoyment of this beautiful place. As Daryl was fond of saying, "Keep looking up!".
For questions or inquiries, please call us at (716) 858-8355 or email us at Erie_County_Parks@Erie.Gov