We often get asked, “What is the difference between a cemetery and memorial park?”
By definition: “A memorial park is a modern cemetery with a difference. The most noticeable difference is that, rather than the competing headstones of traditional cemeteries, memorial parks use dignified sculptured bronze markers lying flat on landscaped plots to memorialize a grave”.
What most people think of when they hear the word cemetery is Hollywood’s version. Often seen in movies, these cemeteries are dark and gloomy and have row upon row of monuments with no trees for shade, no benches to sit on, and very minimal colour or landscaped areas.
Woodlawn Memorial Park in Guelph is exceptional and we have our own definition of a Memorial Park that fits with what we have to offer.
- We have sections with upright monuments, where an abundance of history is displayed for those walking our grounds to see.
- We offer a peaceful place where loved ones can be laid to rest.
- Our grounds provide a place where family and friends can visit and sit on benches soaking up the sunshine and feeling the warm breeze across their faces.
- Our 4kms of roadways wind throughout the park and, while walking or running, you can experience the beautiful colours of the changing seasons and enjoy the birds and animals that live within our grounds.
Woodlawn Memorial Park History
At Woodlawn Memorial Park, we have a lot of history.
Originally established by three different parts, the first being the city, the township, and the Anglican Church, and as two separate cemeteries, the Union Cemetery and St. Georges Cemetery. The first burial in the grounds was that of James Scroggie in January 1854. It was not until 1925 that the name was changed to Woodlawn Cemetery. In 2004, in celebration of 150 years of service, and to reflect the variety of services provided to the public, we added to the name and it became Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Woodlawn Memorial Park is a beautiful park-like setting where all are welcome to visit our grounds and enjoy what we have to offer.
If you have any questions or you wish to discuss options at Woodlawn Memorial Park, we encourage you to make an appointment. There is no obligation to tour the grounds with a member of our team to view the areas and better understand the available options Woodlawn at Memorial Park.
