17 January 2012

Yoga classes, twilight concerts and an alfresco cafe are among suggestions from the public for possible future activities at South Australia’s largest cemetery.

The suggestions came from focus groups surveyed this week as part of regular market research undertaken by Centennial Park.

Centennial Park Marketing Manager Mr Bruce Nankivell said that the focus group
survey had included questions on how community use of the cemetery’s facilities could be enhanced.

“Centennial Park’s cemetery operations provide a much-needed service,” Mr
Nankivell said.

“However, we believe there are opportunities for members of the public to make greater use of our gardens and grounds.

“We are very proud of our facilities, which include the award-winning Jubilee Complex and more than 50 individually-themed gardens that include open expanses of lawn.

“Our Jubilee Complex has an attractive outlook over the gardens and is large enough to hold functions.

“While the complex is reserved for funeral services during weekdays, there may be scope to look at other events for weekend and evening use.

“There are also areas within our gardens that could be used for appropriate outdoor use.

“We want to ensure we continue to fulfil the public’s needs.

 “We are mindful that Centennial Park is a place for people to remember loved ones who have passed away so we would ensure that any new activities are appropriate and do not interfere with our core services.”

Mr Nankivell said the focus groups had made a variety of suggestions.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm about the potential for new activities at Centennial Park,” Mr Nankivell said.

“Suggestions included a cafe and florist, art exhibitions in the Jubilee foyer, twilight
concerts in the gardens and health and fitness activities such as yoga classes.

“It was suggested the Jubilee Complex could cater for corporate functions such as
networking breakfasts, training and conferences.

“Interest was also expressed in horticultural activities such as rose pruning classes and flower shows.

“While it’s too early to determine which of these suggestions will be implemented, they have all been welcomed and we are keen to receive more ideas. It has been reassuring to receive such positive and enthusiastic support.

“We look forward to the possibility of providing new and varied experiences within our grounds.

Did you know?
• Centennial Park hosts a major annual photographic competition and exhibition
in the Jubilee Complex. Entries from the public are currently being accepted.
For information, visit www.facebook.com/centennialparkcemetery
• In 2009 a couple was married within Centennial Park’s grounds.
• Centennial Park has 7200 rose bushes, countless other flowering and native
plants, 20 fountains, two creeks, an island and nine kilometres of tree-lined
avenues including eucalypts, plane trees and Chinese elms.
• The cemetery is home to an abundance of native wildlife including more than
30 native bird species as well as koalas, possums, fish, lizards and tortoises.
• A team of 14 gardeners help to preserve the beauty and tranquillity of
Centennial Park’s gardens all year round.
• Centennial Park’s award-winning Jubilee Complex houses three nondenominational
chapels of varying sizes. The Heysen Chapel is the largest
and can seat up to 250 people.
• As funeral services evolve increasingly into celebrations of life, Centennial
Park also provides in-service audio visual presentations and DVD recordings.