Zandvoorde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Zandvoorde in Zonnebeke will open a modern cemetery in 2025 with a scattering meadow, a children’s area, natural burials, and pet burials. Mayor Koen Meersseman oversaw the project.
As VRT News reported, the village of Zandvoorde in Zonnebeke, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, will get the most modern cemetery in the municipality . Unlike other rural areas where small cemeteries are closed, Zonnebeke chose to keep a local facility.
Mayor Koen Meersseman (#TEAM8980) said the municipality bought land in the centre of Zandvoorde. The old cemetery had become too small for residents. The project will ensure villagers continue to have easy access to burial services while the cemetery is updated with modern facilities.
What features make Zandvoorde’s new cemetery in Zonnebeke modern and unique?
Natural burials will also be available in the new cemetery. The project combines updated infrastructure with traditional funeral practices.
“Natural burial is a new trend,”
explains the mayor.
“The biodegradable urns will be buried in the ground, and a memorial plaque will be placed nearby.”
The site will include a scattering meadow. A dedicated children’s cemetery will provide a memorial area for stillborn babies. The municipality selected the dandelion to serve as the symbol for the cemetery. Mayor Koen Meersseman explained that the design aims to create a thoughtful and tranquil space while serving the needs of the neighbouring community.
The cemetery has now been completed and will open to the public soon. The municipal council also approved new burial regulations alongside the opening. These rules include the possibility for deceased pets to be buried with their owners.
Since the mid-20th century, Zandvoorde has had a local cemetery that has served local families and the Zandvoorde community for many decades. By the 2010s, the site became too small to meet the burgeoning demand of the local families. Therefore, in 2022, the Zonnebeke municipality announced plans to construct a modern cemetery in the middle of Zandvoorde. Construction started in 2024 with a focus on modern features.
