When a tragedy, pandemic, or injustice leaves its mark on society, memorials help us recall and understand what happened. This is especially important when the event affects many people in different ways.
KAMJZ’s proposal for the new Memorial Park begins with a curatorial space showcasing local war history. From there, visitors descend into the landscape through a series of parallel walls that represent the lives of people killed in the conflict.
The Living Urn
Having a permanent memorial tree, flower, or shrub planted with your loved one’s ashes can provide comfort and closure. This ecologically responsible option also benefits wild animals, pollinators and the environment by recapturing carbon from the air during cremation and providing long-term habitat for plants and trees.
Some families choose to plant a Living Urn on their private property, at the home of a relative or friend, or even at a local or national park (though you should obtain necessary permissions). Titan Casket has partnered with The Living Urn Company to make this easy and accessible.
In addition to the BioUrn, The Living Urn Company offers a variety of products like the Eco Water Urn that allows you to hold a ceremony at the time of scattering or at a later date, and the Flow Ice Urn which can be coordinated through participating funeral homes to allow your loved one’s ashes to float in a body of water before dissolving into the earth.
A Tranquil Setting
The serene environment at memorial parks can be a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance. They can also offer an alternative to the somber atmosphere of traditional cemeteries.
Unlike traditional cemeteries, which are typically characterized by rows of competing monuments and gravestones, memorial parks feature dignified sculptured bronze markers that lie flat on landscaped plots. This helps to make them more visually appealing and inviting.
Additionally, memorial parks focus on reforestation and green space, making them a more sustainable option than traditional burials. They also help mitigate climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and providing habitats for species.
Lastly, memorial parks are often less expensive than traditional burials since they do not require the cost of caskets, monuments or toxic embalming fluids. Additionally, they do not have to adhere to the same regulations and restrictions as traditional cemeteries.
Personalization
The loss of a loved one is a profoundly personal experience, and finding the right way to honor them is essential. While traditional cemeteries have long been the standard, a new alternative is becoming increasingly popular: memorial parks. These serene spaces allow families to plant trees in memory of their departed loved ones, creating living legacies that grow and thrive over time.
For a truly one-of-a-kind memorial, consider Photo Expressions picture etchings. Using photos provided by you, these photo-realistic bronze plaques can be customized to celebrate your loved one’s life. You also have the option to include a five-word endearment phrase (corrected spelling and dates included) as well as vases or emblems that represent your loved one’s hobbies, interests or beliefs.
These flush (lawn-level) memorials are permitted in all sections of the cemetery and come in Individual, Companion and Infant sizes. They can be personalized with a granite base with your choice of color, an etched portrait or floral vase and up to three emblems (2 on an Individual memorial). A proof is provided prior to production so you can see how your memorial will look.
The Centennial
In the past 100 years, Memorial Park has evolved with changing attitudes about death and mourning. Memorial parks offer families a place to honor their loved ones in a serene setting that provides a sense of dignity for the departed and peace for reflection.
Today, the park continues to provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Baseball, tennis, running, biking, swimming, and camping can all be enjoyed within its 133-acre boundary.
The golf course, built in the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project, is ranked as one of the state’s best municipal courses. Picnic tables are available throughout the park, and reservations can be made ahead of time. Parks Department staff continue to work on renovation projects to bring the amenities up to modern standards. In addition, new bathrooms and shower facilities have been installed to increase accessibility and allow visitors to leave the park clean. The park also boasts a new Visitor Center and has been freshly repainted.