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Council discusses adding columbariums in Stewart Hill Park and potential management agreement with Providence City
Summary
Council and staff discussed placing columbariums in corners of Stewart Hill Park, possible arrangements for Providence City to manage burial plots and share restroom maintenance, and directed staff to approach Providence officials for further talks; costs were not specified.
River Heights councilmembers and staff on July 1 discussed installing columbariums in Stewart Hill Park and exploring an agreement with neighboring Providence City to manage burial plots and related maintenance.
Council member Chris Milbank presented photos and examples of small columbarium structures—stone or granite enclosures with alcoves for urns—and suggested placing them in the park’s southeast and southwest corners where tree lines and site layout would keep installations unobtrusive. Chris said the structures can be short, with alcoves behind granite panels or glass enclosures that allow small memorials.
Mayor Blake Wright and others discussed whether Providence City would maintain burials or columbarium sales and what arrangements would be required for shared restroom use until River Heights builds a restroom at the park. Council members noted Providence has sold burial plots for decades and is running out of space; Providence officials (Ryan Snow, Providence city manager, and Shane) had previously expressed interest in discussion. Council agreed Chris should pursue meetings with Providence staff (Ryan and Shane) to explore whether Providence would manage plots or merchandise columbarium niches and whether River Heights could receive compensation or a maintenance agreement. The council noted no costs or revenues were yet specified; staff and council said more detailed financial estimates and formal proposals would be needed before any decision.
Council members also discussed park programming and placement of playground equipment and benches; staff said previously surveyed neighbors had requested open play space and benches rather than large play structures in the park’s north area. Concern about glass‑faced columbarium enclosures and vandalism was raised; staff said design choices could mitigate risk.
Ending: Council gave informal approval for staff and the presenter to seek discussions with Providence; no formal vote was taken and no budget or contract was authorized at the meeting.
