If anyone could use a do-over, it’s the Friends of Woodlawn.
The nonprofit, founded by a group of well-meaning Palm Beach donors, had come up with the idea to turn West Palm Beach’s historic Woodlawn Cemetery into a “cemetery park,” a transformation that would beautify the aging cemetery and provide the city with 17 acres of downtown green space one supporter likened to the city’s own Central Park.
A beautified Woodlawn Cemetery, the group insists, would draw more people to appreciate both its historic significance and its city-center location. Discussions between the nonprofit and city officials had been underway for months. An architectural firm had been hired. Site plans had been drawn up, and submitted to the city. The Friends of Woodlawn had put the costs for the improvements at more than $20 million, but the nonprofit had already lined up donors to help with the expense. It all seemed like a done deal. The road to revitalization appeared clear.
But, then came the questions, the concerns, the outrage, even a second nonprofit, that could delay, if not deter the idea altogether. What proponents saw as a destination, the detractors saw as disrespecting the dead.
A recent Post Opinion poll question on the topic found an overwhelming majority — 66% — opposing the plan. Many were simply irked with the idea of outside benefactors gentrifying the cemetery. As one respondent put it: “Not everything is supposed to have Palm Beach appeal. Mow the lawn. Plant flowers. This isn’t an amusement park.”
Truth is though Woodlawn Cemetery could use a facelift, and it should be done in a way that respects the wishes of those families and descendants who have loved ones buried there. The Friends of Woodlawn got way ahead of themselves. It’s difficult to talk up breaking ground at year’s end when faced with a community that feels even a stab at beautification is just another ploy by the affluent to gentrify an undeveloped part of West Palm Beach.
The Friends of Woodlawn will get their chance to convince city officials that their plans have merit. West Palm Beach owns the cemetery, and its up to city officials to consider the makeover under a transparent process that ultimately ends with a vote by the city commission. Until then, the Friends must take their concept of a plan and do a better job of engaging those individuals and organizations that currently have a stake in the cemetery.
The cemetery is in need of a makeover
West Palm Beach is not alone in facing the challenges of coming up with unique ways to reclaim cemeteries as public spaces. In Philadelphia, the city’s Lauren Hill cemeteries include a 265-acre arboretum and sculpture garden. The Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester, New York, offers tours where visitors can see the tombstones of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. The 35 acres that make up The Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., is also a dog park that boasts of a wait-list. Its members are required to volunteer and pay an annual membership fee that helps maintain the cemetery.
Of course, none of those uses would have happened without the support of cemetery descendants and members of the wider community. In their zeal, the Friends of Woodlawn came across as affluent albeit benevolent developers whose plans seemed more focused on meeting the needs of a downtown needing green space than respecting the sanctuary for the dead. Given the city’s “Wall Street South” development, the opposition should have been expected.
Last week, Mayor Keith James reiterated that the city had discussed but has taken no action on the makeover. He said he encouraged the group to talk with relevant community groups before formally submitting any plans to the city. The cemetery could use a facelift. The idea of beautification is worth pursuing and shouldn’t just die on the vine.
Credit the Friends of Woodlawn for coming up with a concept to beautify Woodlawn, a need few would dispute. Now comes the hard part — convincing a skeptical public that any changes will help the cemetery and honor its inhabitants.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Woodlawn Cemetery upgrade deserves consideration | Opinion
Reporting by Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
