Title
Discussion and Possible Adoption of the Guaje Pines Cemetery Master Plan
Recommended Action
I move that Council adopt the Guaje Pines Cemetery Master Plan.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Parks and Recreation Board recommends that County Council adopt the Guaje Pines Cemetery Master Plan.
Body
The Los Alamos County Parks Department partnered with Sloane Consulting Group to develop a comprehensive Master Plan for Guaje Pines Cemetery, located at 901 Range Rd. The Master Plan provides a long-term roadmap for the expansion, improvement, and stewardship of Los Alamos County’s only public cemetery. Developed through community engagement, site analysis, and national best practices, the plan aims to ensure Guaje Pines continues to serve residents with dignity, functionality, and beauty.
At the October 28, 2025 regular meeting, Sloane Consulting Group presented the Guaje Pines Cemetery Master Plan to Council as an introduction to the project and responded to Council questions.
Key Issues and Objectives of the Plan
• Current capacity is nearing limits: columbaria niches are full and casket graves will be full within two years.
• Goals include balancing casket and cremation options, implementing phased expansion, and enhancing site circulation, landscaping, and memorial features.
• Operational improvements address financial sustainability, maintenance, and accessibility.
The plan proposes expanding total burial capacity to about 5,340 units, extending the cemetery’s useful life to roughly 70 years.
The Master Plan outlines a phased capital investment ranging from approximately $3.3 million to $6.5 million over the next several decades. Immediate projects (1-3 years) focus on expanding burial space, improving irrigation, and upgrading maintenance areas. Intermediate projects (4-10 years) include Honor Court and entrance enhancements, landscape improvements, and expansion areas. Long-term projects (10+ years) address major infrastructure such as a new maintenance building, entrance reconstruction, and memorial features.
The plan recommends a phased and flexible approach, prioritizing urgent capacity needs, leveraging in-house resources, and coordinating with other County projects.
The expected outcomes of this plan are expanded burial capacity, enhanced aesthetics and amenities, and strengthened long-term operations and community value.
During the meeting, the Sloane Consulting Group shared design concepts and detailed slides outlining the proposed improvements and the guiding vision behind them. The presentation was well received by Council and positively received by the members of the public who offered comments.
.Alternatives
The Council may choose not to adopt the Guaje Pines Cemetery Master Plan at this time. Instead, Council could request specific changes or edits to the Plan and ask that a revised version be brought back for consideration at a future meeting.
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- Master Plan for Guaje Pines Cemetery September 2025
B- Guaje Pines Detailed Cost Projections
C- Guaje Pines Council Presentation