Memorial Park Cemetery | Oklahoma City

Information

Landmark: Memorial Park Cemetery
City: Oklahoma City
Country: USA Oklahoma
Continent: North America

Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, USA Oklahoma, North America

Memorial Park Cemetery is a burial ground located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.

It serves as a final resting place for individuals and contains a memorial dedicated to victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Visual Characteristics

The cemetery grounds are characterized by manicured lawns, mature trees, and a grid layout of grave markers. The central memorial features a large, circular reflecting pool surrounded by granite walls inscribed with names. Bronze statues and decorative landscaping elements are present throughout the memorial area.

Location & Access Logistics

Memorial Park Cemetery is situated at 1300 Classen Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. It is approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the Oklahoma City central business district. Access is via Classen Drive, with dedicated parking available on-site. Public transportation options include the EMBARK bus system; Route 007 stops within walking distance of the cemetery entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1929, Memorial Park Cemetery was designed to provide a peaceful and orderly burial site. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, located adjacent to the cemetery, was dedicated in 2001 to commemorate the victims of the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can walk the grounds of the cemetery and the adjacent memorial. Specific activities at the memorial include viewing the Survivor Tree, the Field of Empty Chairs, and the reflecting pool. The museum offers exhibits detailing the events of the bombing and its aftermath.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The cemetery grounds offer open spaces with some shaded areas provided by trees. Restrooms are available at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available within the area. No food vendors are located directly within the cemetery; dining options are available in the surrounding downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography of the memorial, early morning or late afternoon hours are recommended. The best months for visiting are typically April through October, offering milder weather conditions. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the Oklahoma City National Memorial is the Survivor Tree, a massive American Elm that survived the bombing. Despite extensive damage, it continues to thrive and is seen as a symbol of resilience. The memorial's design incorporates 168 chairs, representing each life lost.