St. Lambertus Oedelem park cemetery

The Beernem city council commissioned us to transform the Oedelem St.- Lambertus cemetery into a burial park. The transformation will be carried out in phases. To date, the first phase has been realized.

Phase 1 – The transformation of a stone cemetery into a green memorial park

Removal of paving & greening

The stone cemetery was completely transformed into a beautiful park. The gravel paving was replaced by a large lawn that can be partly intensively and partly extensively managed. The cemetery can therefore be maintained pesticide-free. New standard trees and perennials were planted. The difference between the previous situation and the current redesign is remarkable to say the least. (See pictures below of the situation before & after). Only the main axis was paved and provides the connection between the village center and the residential area behind.

Memorial Park

Based on a preliminary funerary survey, a phase plan was developed to gradually remove graves. Over time, concessions will expire. Gradually, these will be removed with only the valuable graves remaining. As a result, the cemetery will evolve into a beautiful memorial park. The funerary history of Oedelem will thus be preserved for future generations.

Phase 2 – New funerary art

Once the bodies of deceased people are exhumed, they will be reburied in a mass grave. A large open space, partially screened from the cemetery with brick walls, can be set up as a mass grave or memorial garden. At the center of this memorial garden is a large cube-shaped memorial on which are inscribed all the names of those who died and were reburied in the mass grave. The cube stands on a tumulus or burial mound and rises visibly from the ground. The monument thus acquires a spiritual dimension.

‘After months of extensive work, the St. Lambert stone cemetery has been transformed into a beautiful green park cemetery. The water problems were addressed, grass replaced the red gravel and a new cobblestone path provided a safe walking and cycling connection. The funerary heritage has been mapped and opened for reuse or godparenting. Especially proud of the result. The renovated cemetery park is the crowning glory of years of preparation and a great effort by the cemetery working group and the green service’ Gijs Degrande, alderman of the municipality of Beernem