Cemetery Master Plan 
A public meeting to present the proposed Cemetery Master Plan was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at Decatur City Hall.
The master planning process was interrupted 2 years ago due to a lack of funding for potential improvements. With the approval of Decatur’s bond referendum in 2006, funds are available to make a variety of improvements to the historic Decatur Cemetery, including:
• A landscape improvement and tree replacement program.
• Improvements to the storm water system, walkways, drives and other infrastructure elements.
• Improvements to the cemetery pond, the historic Old Cemetery and a maintenance plan to address erosion.
• Improvements to the undeveloped 10-acre section of the Cemetery property behind Glendale Avenue, including a walking trail connecting to proposed trails in Glenlake Park, removal of kudzu and other invasive plants, and stream bank protection.
• Beautification of the Cemetery’s Bell Street entrance.
• Recommendations for “memorial” gifts such as trees and benches.
There appeared to be general support for replacement of the declining trees in the Cemetery, restoration of the historic Old Cemetery, improvements to the pond area and the storm drainage system, removal of invasive plants in the woodland area and protection of wildlife. Many at the meeting strongly opposed the proposed mulch walking trail in the woodland area.
The master plan is being prepared by the firm of Edward Daugherty, FASLA. Mr. Daugherty is one of the leading professionals in the field of landscape planning and design and has been a consultant to the City of Decatur for Cemetery planning for over 3 decades. His firm was responsible for the most recent Cemetery master plan in 1981 and for design of the last major Cemetery expansion and the garden cinerarium section. Other members of the planning team include Alexander Engineering, civil engineers, and Register Nelson, environmental consultants.
For additional information or if you have comments about the master plan, please contact Hugh Saxon, Deputy City Manager, at 678-553-6507 or send an email.