The Lakeville Cemetery may soon have a beautiful gazebo for visitors to sit at while remembering their loved ones, thanks to a drive started by the Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary.
Bob Godkin, vice president of the auxiliary, said he came up with the concept of placing a gazebo in the cemetery, located in Addison Township off E. Drahner Rd., and the board ‘thought it was an excellent idea.?
The proposed gazebo, which is 12-feet in diameter and made of white vinyl, would sit in the southwest corner of the quaint cemetery next to the flagpoles and house a couple benches.
After the approximately $7,000 gazebo kit is put together, Godkin said the auxiliary would like to spend another $3,000 to landscape the area around it with various shrubs and flowers.
Eventually, they would like to create a small, brick pathway leading to the gazebo. Bricks could be purchased by people and have names engraved on them.
Although he’s not sure whether they’ll call the gazebo a meditation, reflection or prayer garden, Godkin knows the gazebo would be the perfect addition to the cemetery.
‘It’s just gonna be another nice thing for the cemetery,? he said. ‘I do really think it’s a worthwhile project.?
So far, the Lakeville Cemetery Auxiliary has collected about $3,000 for the proposed gazebo through donations and is expecting a generous $2,000 donation from an anonymous donor soon.
The Auxilary designates specific amounts from its bi-annual spaghetti dinners to go towards various projects to improve and maintain the cemetery.
Over the last six years, the Auxiliary has given the cemetery a much-needed facelift by planting flowers, clearing brush, and maintaining the 11-acre property, which helps save tax dollars.
‘We like to take care of it,? Godkin said. ‘We’re proud of it.?
To donate towards building a gazebo at the Lakeville Cemetery, please call Auxiliary President Marlene Mallia at (248) 628-3086 or Vice President Bob Godkin at (248) 628-1828.