Families Raise Concerns Over Plan to Transform Historic West Palm Beach Cemetery Into Mixed-Use Park

Proposal by nonprofit group to add entertainment spaces at Woodlawn Cemetery sparks backlash from families with loved ones buried there.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:33pm

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A highly stylized, silkscreen-inspired illustration featuring a repeating pattern of an ornate stone archway, the iconic entrance to the Woodlawn Cemetery, rendered in a bold, neon color palette against a black background, conceptually representing the controversy over plans to transform this historic site.A historic cemetery's proposed transformation into an entertainment space sparks outrage from families seeking to preserve their loved ones' sacred resting place.West Palm Beach Today

Families with relatives buried at the historic Woodlawn Cemetery in West Palm Beach, Florida are raising concerns over a nonprofit's proposal to transform the cemetery into a mixed-use park with entertainment spaces. The nonprofit, Friends of Woodlawn, wants to add features like improved walkways, art installations, and small-scale music performances, but many families feel this would be a 'desecration of sacred space' and disrespectful to those laid to rest there.

Why it matters

The Woodlawn Cemetery has been a revered burial ground in West Palm Beach for over a century, holding the remains of many of the city's earliest pioneers and most beloved figures. The proposed redevelopment plan by the Friends of Woodlawn nonprofit has sparked an outcry from families who feel the cemetery's historical and sacred nature should be preserved, not turned into a public entertainment venue.

The details

The Friends of Woodlawn's proposal includes planting more trees, improving walkways, and adding spaces for art displays and small-scale music performances at the over 100-year-old cemetery. However, many families with loved ones buried at Woodlawn, such as Joette Stambaugh Keen and Archer Barry, strongly oppose the plans, saying it would be a 'desecration of sacred space' to have 'people dancing on their graves.' The nonprofit says they are working to respectfully enhance the cemetery without disturbing those laid to rest there, but the city has not yet established a formal partnership for the project.

  • Woodlawn Cemetery has been in existence for over 100 years.
  • The Friends of Woodlawn nonprofit recently unveiled their proposal to transform the cemetery into a mixed-use park.

The players

Friends of Woodlawn

A nonprofit organization that has proposed transforming the historic Woodlawn Cemetery in West Palm Beach into a mixed-use park with entertainment spaces.

Joette Stambaugh Keen

A West Palm Beach resident who has a plot reserved at Woodlawn Cemetery alongside four generations of her family, and strongly opposes the proposed redevelopment plans.

Archer Barry

A West Palm Beach resident whose ancestors dating back to 1895 are buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, and who is shocked by the nonprofit's proposal to transform the sacred site.

Kara Renne

The executive director of Reimagine Woodlawn, the nonprofit leading the proposal to revitalize the Woodlawn Cemetery.

City of West Palm Beach

The owner of the land where the Woodlawn Cemetery is located, and who is currently in discussions with the Friends of Woodlawn nonprofit about their proposal, though no formal partnership has been established yet.

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What they’re saying

“None of us want our family members to have people dancing on their graves.”

— Joette Stambaugh Keen, West Palm Beach resident with family plot at Woodlawn Cemetery

“It was a shock. I mean the city needs to improve it, I'm not against improvement, I just want transparency.”

— Archer Barry, West Palm Beach resident with ancestors buried at Woodlawn Cemetery

“The Friends of Woodlawn organization is working hand in hand with city staff to respectfully enhance this important historic, sacred site without any disturbance to those laid to rest there which includes many of the city's most beloved, courageous early pioneers.”

— Kara Renne, Executive Director of Reimagine Woodlawn

What’s next

The City of West Palm Beach and the Friends of Woodlawn nonprofit will continue discussions about the proposed redevelopment plans for the Woodlawn Cemetery, with the nonprofit pledging to first share the full vision with families who have loved ones buried there before submitting the plan for city review and public comment.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the delicate balance between preserving the sanctity of historic cemeteries and adapting them to serve the needs of a growing community. While the Friends of Woodlawn aim to 'respectfully enhance' the site, many families feel their proposal goes too far in transforming the cemetery into an entertainment venue, underscoring the importance of transparent communication and prioritizing the wishes of those with deep personal connections to the land.