June 99
purpose and together should contribute to the function and overall design
intent of the cemetery master plan. In general, the development should
use regionally native plants and employ landscaping practices and
technologies that conserve water and prevent pollution.
Prepare interment areas for seeding, sprigging and/or sodding with
topsoil and proper nutrients. In non-burial areas, consider alternatives to
standard turf that are suitable to drought conditions. Plant cleared slopes
steeper than three to one (3:1) with ground cover other than turf. The
amount of annual rainfall as well as the type of irrigation system, if any, will
determine the plant material selected.
The master plan should designate a location for storage of soil spoils
from interments. The area should not be visible to cemetery visitors. This
same area may be used for soil processing and storage of graveliners,
not too far away from active burial sections.
Memorial Walkway/ Donations Area
Each cemetery should have an area or areas, separate and
distinct from interment areas for the collective display of memorials
donated by various recognized veterans groups. The area(s) may take
the form of a path or terrace and should provide a place for quiet walks
and contemplation for cemetery visitors. To the extent possible, an
established wooded setting provides the best location for the donation
area(s) or memorial path. If developed as a walkway, it should have the
character of a meandering path, should originate in the vicinity of the Flag/
Assembly Area, and have one other access point. A memorial walkway
should have optimal locations designated along the path for donated
memorials, plaques, and benches. The donations area may be the
location of the secondary flagpole for display of the POW/ MIA flag.
Donated memorials are typically 450 mm (18") deep x 600 mm (24")
wide x 600 mm (24") high, granite bases, or natural boulders, and are
placed in small cleared areas adjacent to a path. The walkway or
donations "area" must appear complete as a feature in its own right, even
without any donated memorials. As with all cemetery features, the
memorial walkway/ donations area must be accessible to disabled
persons.
Although some form of paving is necessary to meet
accessibility standards, minimize the visual impact of the paved surface, if
designed as a woodlands path.
Avenue of Flags
The cemetery development plan should indicate the location for an
"avenue of flags" where donated American burial flags are displayed on
VA Design Guide -- National Cemetery Administration
Page 2 -15
Previous Page
