A tree-planting ceremony and an upgrade of the Palmerston town centre around the public toilets is planned to mark the 150th anniversary of Palmerston in October.
It will occur on Sunday, October 19, the day of the annual Kelly's Canter race.
Waihemo Community Board chairman Geoff Foote, of Flag Swamp, told the board up to $2000 had been provided to pay for the tree.
The board has also recommended a $2000 upgrade of the garden beside the public toilets in the Palmerston town centre, where the tree will be planted.
Palmerston was established six years before Palmerston North.
Palmerston North's population has grown from 800 in 1876 to 80,079 (2013) while Palmerston has stayed at about the 800 mark for most of the past century.