After more than 50 years out in the elements, the original six-panel Memorial Park Walls of Remembrance were beginning to show signs of wear.
As cremation rates continue to rise, more people are seeking ways to reduce their ecological footprint—even in their last act on Earth. Memorial parks offer a natural solution to this growing concern.
Green Spaces
With a variety of tree plantings and natural surroundings, memorial parks are often more uplifting and life-affirming than the somber feel of traditional cemeteries. Families can also choose specific trees or plants that hold personal meaning to them, creating a living tribute that will flourish for years to come.
For years, the park was a fragmented and isolated oasis of nature in the heart of a dense city, and one that was plagued with hands-off land management, overgrowth of invasive species, rotting roots and unbalanced ecosystems. The new landscape design and reforestation work revitalized the park’s ecology while also increasing the overall safety and quality of the experience for visitors.
The tear drop and lake view boardwalks are an example of this commitment to design excellence and environmental stewardship. The matchstick-like pathways elevate the trailway and provide a tranquil viewing experience without disrupting the natural habitat below. The curves of the walkways follow the natural gradations in the landscape, further enhancing the aesthetic.
Meaningful Tributes
Many families choose to leave a tribute in memory of their loved one. These remembrances, such as flowers and photo displays, are placed on graveside by Mount Auburn’s own horticulture team and adhere to cemetery policies.
A memorial park’s ambiance can be more uplifting and life-affirming than that of a traditional cemetery. The presence of thriving plant life creates a connection to the past and present, promoting healing and comfort.
Memorial parks offer a variety of tribute options that encapsulate the essence of your loved ones. Options include traditional headstones and plaques that can be shaped, engraved, and personalized to your preferences. Statues and sculptures that evoke their passions, personalities, and spirit are another option. For those who opt for cremation, memorial trees, urns, and digital tribute pages are also available. All these options align with modern attitudes toward death and mourning.
Tranquility
Memorial parks offer a tranquil outdoor space that allows visitors to pay their respects to loved ones and honor memories. These green spaces feature serene walking paths, beautiful trees, and a calming environment that invites reflection and relaxation.
Unlike traditional cemeteries, memorial parks have a more serene atmosphere that promotes a sense of peace and calmness. This is due to the fact that they are not based on profit and instead, are run by private institutions or companies. This makes them a lot more appealing than traditional cemeteries, as they prioritize beauty over profit.
With miles of multi-use trails through the woods, a 1.1 mile fitness loop, and a family aquatic center, Memorial Park is the perfect place to get outside for exercise and adventure! And since the majority of trails are shaded, they’re a great place to escape the summer heat. You’ll also find that the wooded areas are home to a variety of eastern woodland birds, including Swainson’s warblers and Kentucky bluebirds.
Ecological Footprint
Unlike traditional cemeteries, which use a great deal of wood and concrete in monuments and caskets, memorial parks minimize environmental impacts with tree planting and other sustainable options. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Memorial parks also encourage conservation messaging through design and interpretive signage. For example, in the Eastern Glades, visitors encounter conservation messaging in the design of low-slope bioretention channels that store rainwater for irrigating native landscape and the grassy hillside lake. These channels help offset the millions of gallons of potable water that would otherwise be drawn down from municipal sources for park reservoirs.
Moreover, a memorial park’s emphasis on natural beauty helps foster environmental consciousness in its visitors. The absence of competing headstones provides a quiet backdrop for meditation and reverence, and it inspires visitors to think more deeply about the environment in their own lives. This blend of life, legacy, and environmentalism serves as a model for future generations to follow.