As an expert in the funeral industry, I have seen firsthand the importance of memorial parks in honoring and remembering our loved ones who have passed away. These peaceful and serene places provide a final resting place for our departed family members and friends. In Los Angeles County, CA, there are over 100 memorial parks scattered throughout the area, each with its unique features and offerings.
The Purpose of Memorial Parks
Memorial parks, also known as cemeteries or graveyards, serve as dedicated spaces for burying the deceased. They not only provide a place for families and friends to visit and pay their respects, but also offer a sense of closure and comfort for those who are grieving. In Los Angeles County, there are various types of memorial parks, ranging from small family-owned plots to large public cemeteries.These parks offer different burial options, including traditional in-ground burials, cremation burials, and above-ground burials in mausoleums or crypts.
Mausoleums in Memorial Parks
Mausoleums are above-ground structures that serve as a final resting place for the deceased. They are typically made of stone or marble and can range in size from small private mausoleums to large community mausoleums. In Los Angeles County, many memorial parks have mausoleums on their grounds. One of the most famous mausoleums in Los Angeles County is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This historic cemetery is the final resting place for many Hollywood celebrities, including Rudolph Valentino, Judy Garland, and Mickey Rooney.The cemetery also has a beautiful mausoleum called the Cathedral Mausoleum, which features stunning stained glass windows and intricate marble work. Another notable mausoleum in Los Angeles County is the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. This park is known for its grand and elaborate mausoleums, including the Great Mausoleum, which houses the remains of many famous individuals, such as Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, and Walt Disney. Aside from these well-known mausoleums, there are also many smaller and more intimate mausoleums in memorial parks throughout Los Angeles County. These mausoleums offer a peaceful and private space for families to visit their loved ones.
Crypts in Memorial Parks
Similar to mausoleums, crypts are also above-ground structures that serve as a final resting place for the deceased. However, crypts are typically smaller and more compact than mausoleums.They are often used for entombing multiple individuals in a single space. In Los Angeles County, many memorial parks have crypts on their grounds. One of the most well-known crypts is located at the Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. This park has a beautiful indoor crypt called the SkyRose Chapel Crypt, which features stunning stained glass windows and a serene atmosphere. Another notable crypt in Los Angeles County is located at the Inglewood Park Cemetery. This cemetery has a large outdoor crypt called the Abbey of the Psalms, which features beautiful sculptures and a peaceful garden setting. Aside from these larger crypts, there are also many smaller and more intimate crypts in memorial parks throughout Los Angeles County.
These crypts offer a more affordable option for families who wish to have an above-ground burial for their loved ones.
The Benefits of Above-Ground Burials
While traditional in-ground burials are still the most common form of burial in the United States, above-ground burials in mausoleums or crypts offer several benefits. One of the main advantages is that they provide a more permanent and secure resting place for the deceased. Above-ground structures are less susceptible to damage from natural disasters or vandalism. Above-ground burials also offer a more environmentally friendly option. With traditional in-ground burials, embalming fluids and caskets can have a negative impact on the environment.In contrast, above-ground burials do not require embalming, and caskets can be made from eco-friendly materials. Furthermore, above-ground burials provide a more accessible option for families and friends to visit their loved ones. They eliminate the need for bending down or kneeling on the ground, making it easier for older individuals or those with mobility issues to pay their respects.
