Unlike traditional cemeteries, memorial parks offer a serene setting where family and friends can find comfort and solace in the presence of nature. They can also be a good alternative for those who are not comfortable with placing a monument in their home yard.
Today, the park features miles of walking trails, a soccer field, softball fields and even a practice baseball diamond. The park was built on the former Camp Logan, which was the site of the 1917 riots.
Trees
Symbolizing rebirth and renewal, memorial trees are often planted to honor a person who has passed away. They also serve to connect us to the natural environment, and help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
Research on environmental grief and green memorials has found that interacting with nature helps people process loss, heal, and find a new sense of purpose. As Warren’s story and academic research showcase, memorial trees offer a powerful combination of environmental impact and emotional and psychological benefits.
For example, the Callery pear tree known as the Survivor Tree grew from gnarled stumps and snapped roots that emerged from Ground Zero after the 2001 attacks. It was nursed back to health and returned to the Memorial in 2010 as a living reminder of resilience, survival, and hope.
Green Spaces
Memorial parks are a space for families to come together and process grief, celebrate life, and feel connected to loved ones who have passed. The serene setting and thoughtful amenities promote peace of mind for all who visit.
Nature plays a prominent role in these spaces, with manicured gardens and trees serving as the backdrop to memorialization. Unlike traditional cemeteries with their upright headstones, these gardens feature flat markers that blend in with the natural environment.
This emphasis on greenery is not only visually pleasing, but also ecologically sustainable. It helps to mitigate air pollution, reduce soil erosion, and improve water infiltration. In addition, preserving green space provides natural habitat for birds and other wildlife, making it a vital part of the local ecosystem.
Personalization
Many people prefer to memorialize loved ones in a setting that feels more natural than a traditional cemetery. The tranquil environment offers a sense of peace and continuity that can help with the grieving process. Additionally, memorial parks offer a variety of personalization opportunities that allow family and friends to honor their departed loved ones.
Displaying personal mementos that showcase the deceased’s unique personality or hobbies can create a heartfelt tribute. Including interactive elements, such as memory boards or digital slideshows that showcase photos and videos, can also help guests connect with one another.
Other meaningful elements include memory-sharing circles, where attendees can share stories and memories, and message boards where guests can write notes of love and remembrance for their departed loved ones. Lastly, organizing a biodegradable balloon or lantern release can be a powerful and visual experience for attendees.
Tranquility
Memorial parks offer a serene, beautiful setting for remembering your loved ones and connecting with nature. They are also an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cemeteries. Cemeteries have a significant environmental impact, using large amounts of wood for monuments and caskets, concrete to build vaults, and toxic embalming fluids that leach into groundwater. Memorial parks promote sustainability by focusing on green spaces and planting trees.
The park features several picnicking spots and historical memorials including the Memorial Park Grove, a tribute to men from Fort Wayne and Allen County who served in World War I. The memorials were unveiled in 2022, the same year that TinCaps baseball announced a collaboration with the park to create two more monuments honoring players who died while in active duty.
End-of-Life Planning
As people embrace end-of-life planning, memorial parks have emerged as a natural alternative to traditional cemeteries. They offer a beautiful environment that is centered on greenery and tranquility. In contrast, traditional cemeteries are often characterized by rows of headstones and monuments.
Moreover, memorial parks encourage sustainability. They promote reforestation and provide habitats for wildlife. Unlike traditional burials, which can have a significant environmental footprint, memorial parks have a low carbon impact.
If you are helping a loved one plan for their future, consider talking to them about the types of memorial park they might like. Having this conversation can help them feel in control and confident of their choices. It can also be a good time to talk about their end-of-life wishes and plans.