City Council Memo 5.9.171
MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Brad Reid, Parks and Recreation Director
Date: May 9, 2017
Reference: Consider approval of the revised Rolling Oaks Memorial Cemetery Master Plan, with
Phase II development option that allows for expansion and improvements to the
existing developed property, burial options and features.
2030: Community Wellness and Enrichment: Excellent and Well-Maintained City
Infrastructure and Facilities.
Introduction:
The City of Coppell completed the Feasibility Study for a Municipal Cemetery in November of 2004
prepared by L. F. Sloane Consulting Group, Inc., in conjunction with J. Stuart Todd Architects, Inc.
The study included a conceptual schematic of what the entire 32.2-acre site could look like once it was
fully developed. This master plan placed all the potential future building structures and burial features
on the east side of the site which is not conducive to a Phase II or partial expansion of the remaining
undeveloped acreage. Therefore, it was recommended that the entire site be reevaluated for presenting
a new conceptual master plan and a Phase II expansion that will consider future expansions, amenities
and the appearance of the entire cemetery once it is completely developed.
In September 2016, the City entered into a professional services agreement with Tim Hansen, ASLA,
Landscape Architect/Prime Consultant, which authorized the development of a conceptual Master Plan
and a Phase II expansion option.
Analysis:
The current capacity of the developed property is 3,937 adult single depth burials, 268 infant spaces
and 485 columbarium niches for a total phase one capacity of approximately 4,700 spaces (double
depth burials were approved as an option in 2015). Fifty two percent of the total available burial rights
is sold to date. The average number of spaces sold in 2014 and 2015 is 717. If this trend continues the
remaining 2440 burial rights would be sold in approximately 3 years. However, the sold properties
and niches have been what families have considered the most desirable property options that the
Rolling Oaks Memorial Center cemetery has to offer. The remaining ground spaces are in locations
2
near Freeport or distant from trees and other site amenities making them “remaining” choice properties.
Niches are structured 10 levels high and either single or double space. The middle levels and double
niches are selling first, once again leaving fewer preferred options for future families.
Numerous families, denominational and cultural groups have expressed an interest in burial options
that are not currently available at ROMC including:
Private family estates
Family mausoleums
Community mausoleums
Denominational and nondenominational gardens
Cultural gardens
Prayer chapel
Statues
Committal chapel
Outdoor cremation niches
The proposed master plan includes the burial options and amenities that have been identified by the
community and that are current industry offerings. The Phase II expansion project takes advantage of
the existing infrastructure to minimize costs but achieve the goal of adding desired amenities and, it
provides the flexibility to modify gardens to accommodate estates of various configurations.
Legal Review:
None required at this time.
Fiscal Impact:
No direct fiscal impact at this time.
Recommendation:
The Parks and Recreation Department recommends approval of this item.