Plans for a new cemetery in the southeast aims to bring burial into the 21st century, serving as more than just a repository for the departed

Stretching over rolling hills, a 65-hectare plot of land adjacent to Ralph Klein Park is an idyllic refuge from the frenetic energy of urban life.

Yet the parkland on the edge of Calgary's southeast quadrant is intended to be much more than a place to take the dog for a walk amongst spectacular mountain vistas. It's the site of the city's newest cemetery, the first to be constructed in more than 75 years.

Yet to be officially named, it represents a 21st century approach to death, aimed at making an important-but-often-underused public space in a rapidly growing urban environment into a vital hub for the communities it serves.

"It certainly will have a more multi-purpose use," said Jim Klimes, the lead architect for the City of Calgary on the project. "We don't want it cut off from society; we want it integrated into the community."

City of Calgary parks are looking for input and feedback from residents concerning a new cemetery planned for the city's southeast.

"Cemeteries are an essential service provided by The City of Calgary to and for Calgarians and we're looking for feedback on three design concepts," said Gary Daudlin, Parks Cemeteries superintendent. "Citizens' input on these designs will help us ensure the new cemetery meets the diverse needs of Calgarians now and in the years to come."