In 2006, Arlington’s Board of Trustees commissioned a study of land use for the cemetery for the next 25 – 50 years.  The result of this study was a Master Plan developed by HWH Architects, Engineers & Planners of Cleveland, Ohio.

The most defining aspect of the Master Plan was the finding that recommended expansion to the south developing heretofore wooded areas adjacent to Ronald Reagan Highway.  This land would be vital in order to respond to future needs such as new burial sites and the potential site of a new mausoleum/chapel complex.  HWH, during its study, also concluded that Arlington and its lot owners would benefit from a relocation of its maintenance facilities to a more isolated area in the southern regions of the undeveloped land.  Based on HWH’s sound research, reasoning and plan, the Board of Trustees approved the Master Plan.  Of course, developing land comes with a price tag and, therefore, the Board of Trustees decided to develop the land in “phases.”

Last spring, after receiving bids, the Board of Trustees awarded Phase I construction to Landform Services of Fairfield to clear the land and grade it in preparation of future use for burial.  Three ponds were installed with the two on the very south side of the area forming a waterfall feature.  The unique aspect of this particular “project within a project” was its “green” or "eco-friendly" design where surface water from the newly developed area drains exclusively into a detention pond located on the north side of the development.  The water is stored and, as required, pumped from the detention pond to the two featured ponds on the south side to provide the water for the striking waterfall feature.

Construction on this project is complete and our efforts have now turned to working with the state of Ohio to clear and repair the fence line along Ronald Reagan Highway that, once completed, will provide an unencumbered view of this newest development in Arlington.