Title
Presentation and Discussion of the Guaje Pines Cemetery Master Plan
Body
Los Alamos County has partnered with Sloane Consulting Group to develop a comprehensive Master Plan for Guaje Pines Cemetery, located at 901 Range Rd. This plan outlines a long-term vision for the care, maintenance, and development of the cemetery, ensuring it remains a peaceful and meaningful place for generations to come.
The Master Plan aims to ensure that Guaje Pines continues to fulfill its essential role in the community by providing dignified, accessible, and sustainable interment options while preserving its natural beauty and historical integrity. This project supports the Council priority of Operational Excellence- Infrastructure Management and Quality of Life and was identified as a key action in the Community Services Department Integrated Master Plan (Item 3.3F).
Key goals of this master plan include:
• Maximize the use of existing cemetery land to expand burial capacity and improve operational efficiency, while remaining responsive to the community’s evolving preferences and needs
• Preserve and enhance the site’s natural beauty and character, ensuring that future development respects the landscape and reinforces the cemetery’s tranquil setting
• Provide an achievable, actionable set of phased capital improvement recommendations that address the cemetery's operational and aesthetic needs while remaining fiscally responsible
• Offer clear operational guidance to support respectful, safe, and efficient cemetery management, prioritizing resident satisfaction and aligning with regional and national best practices.
Guaje Pines is approaching a critical capacity threshold. At present demand levels, the remaining columbaria niches have been exhausted, and casket graves could be depleted within two years. These shortages underscore the urgent need for thoughtful, strategic expansion, especially given the cemetery’s limited land base and the sustained demand expected over the next two decades as the Baby Boomer generation reaches peak mortality.
Public engagement was a critical component of the planning process. Two sets of public meetings were held to provide further opportunities for dialogue as well as a community survey:
• May 14, 2025, a virtual listening session invited residents to speak directly with the planning team and discuss issues such as burial capacity and preferences for Guaje Pines development.
• May 1-30, 2025, a public survey opened to gather community feedback (157 responses)
• June 25, 2025, two sessions at Fuller Lodge, which featured a review of initial design concepts. Participants provided feedback on layout options, inventory enhancements, and landscape character.
• September 11, 2025, Stephanie Sloan presented to the Parks and Recreation Board, which supported the Master Plan, and recommended a presentation to Council.
Consultants from Sloane Consulting Group will present the Master Plan and be available to answer questions. This presentation serves as an introduction to the project only.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
The cost of executing the plan is discussed in the Master Plan. The price will vary and increase as implementation progresses. Staff will implement the strategies outlined in the plan as recommended and submit a budget request to fund the short- and long-term needs.
Attachments
A - Guaje Pines Master Plan September 2025 Parks
B - Guaje Pines Detailed Cost Projections
C - Guaje Pines Council Presentation