Kennesaw approves community plan for cemetery

A plan for future community uses of the Kennesaw City Cemetery calls for such ideas as a fun run, yoga class, another clean-up day, stargazing, movies and concerts. (Courtesy of Kennesaw)

A plan for future community uses of the Kennesaw City Cemetery calls for such ideas as a fun run, yoga class, another clean-up day, stargazing, movies and concerts. (Courtesy of Kennesaw)

Over the next five years, Kennesaw residents may see a variety of new programming taking place at the Kennesaw City Cemetery.

A new plan for the cemetery was approved 5-0 on June 17 by the Kennesaw City Council.

Suggested ideas in the plan include a fun run, yoga class, another clean-up day, stargazing, movies and concerts.

Another idea is a juried art competition in the area of photography, painting or drawing that will offer a modest cash prize and recognition of the winning entry displayed in a public building such as Kennesaw City Hall.

Additionally, a regular lecture series, book signing or similar event, each promoting the cemetery, can be scheduled but not held at the cemetery.

Opened in 1863, the eight-acre cemetery now includes a butterfly garden and a cremation garden.

Its location is on the southwest edge of the downtown area at 300 Cemetery Road at its intersection with School Drive.

The plan was created through the city’s participation in the professional assistance program offered by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).

Purposes of the plan are to frame short and long-term goals, recommendations and strategies that will promote activities and initiatives regarding the city cemetery.

Kennesaw’s Cemetery Preservation Commission provided feedback, guidance and recommendations to the ARC staff.

The final report’s conclusions and recommendations were formed through public outreach at city events and surveys.

Survey responses also were received from members of the Preservation Commission, Cemetery Foundation, city staff, the Historic Preservation Commission, Art and Culture Commission, Kennesaw Downtown Development Authority and Kennesaw Development Authority.

Information: kennesaw-ga.gov/city-cemetery