This panel dialogue will discuss the transformative potential of cemeteries, recognizing them as dynamic community assets that contribute to environmental wellness and community engagement.
Speakers will highlight the potential of cemeteries as vital open spaces within urban landscapes, comprising approximately 140,000 acres across the U.S. They will delve into evolving attitudes towards death, mourning, and commemoration, showcasing how cemeteries have transformed into multifaceted spaces serving as museums, libraries, arboretums, nature sanctuaries, and venues for active and passive recreation.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Recognize the potential of cemeteries as open spaces within urban landscapes, and their contribution to environmental wellness and community engagement.
- Recognize indicators that a site lacks investment and broad community support and develop strategies to shift focus toward long-term solutions.
- Recognize the evolving attitudes towards death, mourning, and commemoration and how cemeteries have transformed into multifaceted spaces.
- Identify indicators that a cemetery or program lacks investment and broad community support, and develop strategies to shift focus towards long-term solutions.
- Outline a vision plan for municipal cemeteries that incorporates outreach, education, and public engagement of immediate and descendant families, surrounding neighborhoods, and historic preservation advocates.
- Discuss programming and inclusive community engagement techniques and methods that enhance the sustainability and uses of urban cemeteries.
Speakers
Kim McKnight
Program Manager, Historic Preservation and Tourism Program, Austin Parks and Recreation Department
