The May Brick Installation: A Behind-the-Scenes Look 🧱
This May, we successfully completed our first brick installation of 2026. While the park pathways may look permanent, they are actually a growing collection of stories; 45,500 bricks and counting!
It’s often assumed that these bricks are swapped out overnight, but the reality is a coordinated effort between our Development team, Donors, and construction crew. Here is how we managed this month’s installation of roughly 500 new bricks.
The Process
The journey of an engraved brick is a long one, often taking several months from the initial order to the final set.
- Administration: After an order is placed and processed, we print a brick certificate to verify the inscription.
- Production: All engraving is handled by an off-site specialist before the bricks are delivered to the park.
- The Big Day: The process begins at a predetermined location identified by our development team. The construction crew pulls the blank bricks from this specific section to clear a dedicated lot for the new installation. They pull these blanks to clear a dedicated lot for the new batch.
- Precision Placement: Using a master spreadsheet, the Development team organizes the new bricks within the open lot. While the overall layout is randomized, we meticulously hand-place specific bricks to ensure that designated groups remain together within the installation.
- Final Set: Once the team double-checks every inscription against the layout, the bricks are sealed into the ground.
Installation Cycles & Volume
We perform these installations three times a year. If you are looking to purchase a brick, please keep these deadlines in mind:
Installation Window |
Typical Volume |
Late Spring (May) |
~500 Bricks |
Late Summer (September) |
~300 Bricks |
Year-End (Late December) |
~700 Bricks |
What to Expect
The physical installation generally takes 1–2 days to complete. Once the bricks are set, we don't leave you guessing—donors receive a letter with specific locator directions to help find their unique spot in the park.
It is a methodical process, but it ensures that each piece of the park is placed with accuracy and care. We appreciate our donors' patience as we work to get every letter and location exactly right.
Interested in purchasing a brick? Learn more.
Trying to find your brick? Check out our Brick Locator