plummbob t1_jadzree wrote on February 28, 2023 at 7:24 PM

Reply to comment by raindeerpie in Richmond mulls historic cemetery takeover by CrassostreaVirginica

I don't think a cementary is a usable green space that is even remotely analogous to a park

goodsam2 t1_jae0ufw wrote on February 28, 2023 at 7:31 PM

It was in prior contexts, Hollywood cemetery is kinda supposed to be used as a park.

latesaturate t1_jae9xeu wrote on February 28, 2023 at 8:28 PM

I think Hollywood Cemetery is a perfect example of a cemetery that is usable green space/a park

raindeerpie t1_jaeauey wrote on February 28, 2023 at 8:34 PM

Hollywood is great for walks and jogging through. but you're right. typically a cemetery is not a super usable space and not a great comparison to a park. but it can still provide a good aesthetic, a home for wildlife, and a somewhat peaceful break to a city scape.

plummbob t1_jaedlcz wrote on February 28, 2023 at 8:53 PM

If we exhumed every corpse from there, got rid of the gravestones but retained some built structures, and named the area "cool nice place park" the benefits would be the same --- This has everything to do with how its designed environment, and nothing to do with the fact that dead people lay there.

Compare Maury cemetary to Hollywood.Or compare Hollywood to the cementary literally right next to it. Hollywood is nice because its got all the things a good park has --- a built environment, trees and shade, and easy proximity to amenities.

Whereas Maury is next to nothing, has zero trees and shade, and effectively no built environment. Riverview Cemetery has 1 of the 3 things.....similar proximity to actual social life, but lacks any trees and built environment.

The lesson is that cemetery's can be good parks, if they're designed like good parks.

There ain't nobody going for a stroll around Maury Cemetery, or playing football with their kid or whatever.