Freedom Memorial project on track; infant and veterans sections, scattering garden planned

The Plymouth Cemetery Commission received an update May 20 that construction at the Freedom Memorial Cemetery is proceeding and remains on schedule for public lot sales and burials in 2027.

Cemetery staff told the commission that contractor Green Acres anticipates finishing construction in the fall. The commission discussed how the cemetery will be laid out: a veteran's section that will allow veterans' flat markers and matching flat markers for spouses; a scattering garden marked by a single simple stone with no individual markers; and an infant section of 40 graves. The minutes specify that lots in the infant section will be provided at no cost for interment of human remains age 3 and under; families will still be charged the opening and closing fee for interment.

Commission members also reviewed rules for monument types in the infant section, deciding it will be restricted to flat markers only. Members discussed future capacity options for later phases, including freestanding mausoleums and double-deep burials.

The commission identified enforcement as a concern when reviewing the cemetery's rules and regulations, noting that having clear enforcement procedures will be important once the site opens.

The meeting record does not show any formal vote or amendment on the layout or rules; the entry is recorded as discussion and direction for staff to continue implementation work and planning.

Next procedural steps noted in the minutes include continued design and planning work by cemetery staff and follow-up at future meetings as construction progresses.