“Green” Cemetery First of Its Kind
Amy Wolf, 27 News
Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence looks like many burial sites. But starting in January, the northwestern edge will be transformed into a green cemetery. “From what we understand, we will be the first public natural burial area in the united states,” said Ernie Shaw, Interim Director of the Lawrence Parks and Recreation department.
Oak Hill is one of just a few green cemeteries. According to a group called the Green Burials Organization, there are only 12 green cemeteries in the nation, all of those are privately owned. Shaw says a city commissioner first approached him about the idea earlier this year, and it seemed like a natural fit.
“Lawrence has always been kind of a green community and I think it continues to be that way…and we have a lot of people who are interested in that,” Shaw said.
Oak Hill will be classified as a “hybrid” cemetery; it will continue to have it’s traditional burial sites.
Shaw says the “green” part of the cemetery won’t be mowed or landscaped, but the traditional section won’t change at all.
Officials say the cost of a plot in the green cemetery will be comparable to a standard plot - about $600. They also say that no cut or polished markers may be used, but that engraved natural rocks can be used to mark a “green” grave.