Nationally recognized Greendale Cemetery and Park has launched the Greendale Arch Fund, an annual appeal to provide for the upkeep of Meadville’s noted cemetery and park. The fund is named for the landmark entrance erected in 1865 at the east end of Randolph Street.

“As the mission of Greendale is to provide a dignified park and burial ground available and affordable to all, we cannot expect to pay operating costs solely through the sale of lots at a reasonable price,” said John Werle, president of Greendale’s nonprofit association. “We must therefore find additional ways to help meet our ever-increasing expenses.”

The 200-acre cemetery and park is the final resting place for more than 21,000 individuals. It includes many miles of roads and extensive landscaping. The fund is designed to address the general yearly upkeep and operations.

Greendale has brought national attention to Meadville through recognition of its landscaping by American Nurseryman magazine. Last year the Cultural Landscape Foundation selected it as one of 21 Heroes of Horticulture, which are noteworthy landscapes maintained but at risk because of need for additional support, across the country. In January, the cemetery and park was featured in Garden Design magazine.

Among those buried at Greendale are congressmen, soldiers, inventors, a Supreme Court justice and the personal physician to George Washington.

Greendale is currently planning a capital campaign to support action on deferred maintenance and to build its endowment. It’s the hope of the volunteer board that a broad coalition of citizens of the community will also provide annual gifts to assist with the daily operational costs of this community asset. Contributions may be sent to Greendale Arch Fund, Greendale Cemetery, 700 Randolph St., Meadville, Pa. 16335.

You can help

A contribution to the Greendale Arch Fund helps Greendale Cemetery and Park meet its annual expenses for upkeep and operations. Contributions may be sent to Greendale Arch Fund, Greendale Cemetery, 700 Randolph St., Meadville, Pa. 16335.

You may learn more about the cemetery and park at its Web site, www.greendalecemetery.org.