WAUKESHA — As more families choose cremation, Waukesha is looking ahead to meet growing demand at Prairie Home Cemetery.
The Waukesha Cemetery Commission will meet Monday to review and possibly approve a concept plan that would transform the cemetery’s boulevard into a new cremation garden through a phased expansion over several years.
According to city documents, about 95% of Prairie Home Cemetery’s existing single and double cremation niches have already been sold, leaving limited inventory for future burials. The proposed project is designed to address that shortage while making the best use of available space.
The plan focuses on the boulevard, where two existing columbaria are already located and nearly sold out. The surrounding green space would be developed in three phases, allowing the cemetery to add new niches, walkways and landscaping as demand increases rather than completing the entire project at once, documents said.
The documents said a phased approach is intended to be financially responsible by spreading construction costs over time while ensuring enough cremation options remain available for families. As each phase is completed, the area would gradually become a dedicated cremation garden with enhanced landscaping and memorial features.
The documents added that expanding cremation inventory would create additional revenue opportunities for the cemetery, maximize the use of existing property and support its long-term financial sustainability.
The commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the City Hall Training Room.
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