Cemetery Memorial Park

Historical Background

Cemetery Memorial Park is a 6-acre public park located in Ventura, California at the intersection of Poli and Main Streets. The park has a unique and complex history, as it was originally established as a burial ground in the 1860s and served as Ventura's main cemetery until 1944.

In 1965, the City of Ventura converted the cemetery into a public park by removing the visible headstones and monuments. However, an estimated 3,000 bodies remain interred beneath the park's grounds. This controversial decision has been a source of ongoing debate in the community.

Park Features

The park offers sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and the foothills of Ventura. On clear days, visitors can even spot Arch Rock on Anacapa Island, a formation not visible from the beach due to the Earth's curvature.

Cemetery Memorial Park features expansive grassy lawns gently sloping across the landscape, shaded by mature trees primarily along the north and east perimeters. The park's elevated position makes it an exceptional spot for watching spectacular sunsets, especially from late summer through early spring.

In 2012, new entrance signs, a Veterans Memorial, and interpretive signs were installed along the north perimeter sidewalk to inform visitors about the park's history and honor those still buried there. Several remaining headstones from the late 1800s and early 1900s can be found throughout the park, serving as reminders of the park's original purpose.

Recreational Use

Despite its solemn history, the park has become a popular recreational space for the community. The vast, open green space is ideal for a variety of activities including yoga, frisbee, ball games, and picnics.

The park has informally evolved into a popular dog-friendly area where many locals bring their pets to socialize and exercise. While technically dogs should be leashed, many visitors allow their dogs to run freely across the expansive grounds.

Visitors often bring blankets for picnicking on the grass, as there are limited benches and no formal picnic tables. The park does not have playground equipment or restroom facilities.

Significance Today

Cemetery Memorial Park functions as both a recreational space and a site of historical significance. While some use it for leisure activities, others visit to pay respects to Ventura's early pioneers and veterans who remain buried there.

The park's serene atmosphere, combined with its breathtaking views, makes it a popular spot for contemplation, relaxation, and community gathering. Many visitors appreciate the park's unique blend of natural beauty and historical importance.

The park's dual nature as both a green space and a burial ground makes it a unique and thought-provoking destination in Ventura, prompting visitors to reflect on both the area's past and the proper way to honor those interred beneath its grounds.