Located in the heart of downtown, Memorial Park is a natural oasis that replenishes the body and spirit. Miles of multi-use trails are available for running and biking, including the lighted Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail. There are also sand volleyball courts and softball fields.
During the second half of the 20th century, forms in which collective loss was memorialized were called into question. This created an opening for memorials that are both more abstract and counter to the traditional narrative of a place.
End-of-Life Planning
Memorial parks are a natural environment where visitors can find a place for quiet reflection. They are a beautiful alternative to traditional cemeteries with their more somber atmosphere. They also offer a sustainable option for burial that helps mitigate climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, clean the air and provide habitat for wildlife.
Whether you are planning for yourself or someone you love, it is important to discuss end-of-life plans. The more detailed the plan, the more confident your loved ones will feel in carrying out your wishes.
Start by asking about their housing preferences and what types of care they want when they are unable to make decisions on their own. Next, talk about their finances and a living will. Finally, discuss funeral arrangements and a letter of intent. These documents are not only helpful for your family, but they can help reduce costs and prevent disputes over inheritance. For example, a letter of intent can include a list of beneficiaries, care instructions for pets, usernames and passwords to online accounts and outstanding debt information.
Planning a Memorial
While funerals and memorial services are a traditional way to commemorate loved ones, there are other options. Memorial parks are a natural and serene alternative that can help bring families together for remembrance and reflection.
Rather than a casket, a simple marker marks the gravesite at a memorial park. This type of service is typically a celebration of life, and family and friends are encouraged to wear color instead of the dark colors seen at many funerals.
A memorial can be personalized with songs that were meaningful to your loved one, a video montage of photos or other treasured memories, and a eulogy or personal stories from family members or close friends. You can also include religious readings and rituals that are important to your loved one’s beliefs or culture.
Guests can also leave gifts that are in line with your loved one’s interests or passions such as flowers, candles and a memory table displaying cherished belongings, letters and keepsakes.
Designing a Memorial
As a place of natural beauty, memorial parks offer dignified sculptured bronze markers lying flat on landscaped plots that are more spacious than traditional cemetery headstones. The openness of the grounds offers visitors an atmosphere of peaceful meditation and a sense of honor to loved ones.
When designing a memorial, there are several factors to consider. The size, material and construction are all important considerations. Also, many cemeteries have rules and regulations that govern the types of memorials allowed on their grounds.
Additionally, many families want to personalize their memorials. Options include an etched, porcelain or ceramic photo and a personalized inscription. While these features add to the cost, they can be a meaningful touch for family members. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional memorial counselor or designer. They can help you coordinate a timeline and payment option that works for your situation. They can even provide a range of options to fit your budget.
Dignity Memorial(r)
The Memorial Park is more than just a place to honor your loved one; it’s a serene setting for reflection and peace. Unlike traditional cemeteries, our Memorial Parks are designed with greenery and landscapes that are more welcoming and comforting. They also offer more options for families to celebrate their loved ones’ lives and pay tribute to them in a way that is unique and personal.
We take great pride in the caring work we do to help families through end-of-life arrangements. As North AmericaaEUR(tm)s largest funeral, cremation and cemetery service provider, we are committed to treating your family with compassion and respect. Our services are available to you through our network of more than 1,600 funeral, cremation and cemetery providers who share our name and commitment to excellence. As a Society member, you have access to our services at any location in the network and can transfer your prearranged funeral and cemetery plans to any provider.