In 1904, Henry M. Flagler created Woodlawn Cemetery on 17 acres of pineapple fields in West Palm Beach. His vision was a cemetery that invoked a park-like feel for the early pioneers of the Palm Beaches. Today, this iconic cemetery needs critical upkeep to protect its longstanding legacy. We believe the vision of the Reimagine Woodlawn project is uniquely positioned to support these important updates, so we can honor this sacred place for generations to come.

The original Reimagine Woodlawn concept we prepared for the City of West Palm Beach focused on thoughtfully improving these historic grounds. The only plan submitted to the City of West Palm Beach is for physical improvements- repaved roads, footpaths, an enhanced tree canopy, new plantings, improved accessibility, and the installation of trellis-inspired structure. We want all enhancements to honor those in their final resting place—while cultivating an authentic space for the living to gather and reflect. We intend to partner with the City and our community as we restore the cemetery to the space that its founder, Henry Flagler, envisioned: a place for the people.

We have proposed the idea of small, low-impact, community-serving activities in the restored garden cemetery once we complete beautifications. These activities would be similar to those in a religious building or garden—and would occur after hours. Currently, the Cemetery offers moonlight history tours. We have zero plans for commercialization of the space. Any potential activities would respectfully honor those who have gone on, while providing a meaningful space for the living to reflect. Other cemeteries across the country hold activities similar to those we’ve suggested. However, we have not submitted any plans for programming to the City of West Palm Beach at this time.

No. All gravesites will remain in place and undisturbed. All maintenance efforts and enhancements will honor and respect those laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery.

The project’s total cost is currently estimated at more than $20 million. It will be funded by gifts from major donors as well as smaller donations from individuals. If you’d like to join us in stewarding the future of Woodlawn, honoring Henry Flagler’s vision, and celebrating the legacies of those who have gone on before us, please consider making a donation here.

Collaborative, honest, and Every aspect of our plan is designed to honor the cemetery, while ensuring our tight-knit, growing community can appreciate Woodlawn’s rich history and the legacies of those buried there. We have invited individuals to the board with loved ones buried at Woodlawn. We have responded to all families who have reached out to us to date, and plan to outreach through community meetings. As this project progresses, we remain deeply and personally committed to placing West Palm Beach residents and those with family members buried at Woodlawn at the heart of this revitalization project.

The City of West Palm Beach will continue to manage and control the use of Woodlawn. We have not sought any arrangement that removes the City’s purview of the property. However, Friends of Woodlawn does intend to assist with increased costs of maintenance associated with improvements.
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This project has just begun. The City of West Palm Beach reviewed the plan in February 2026 and provided comments that we must address this spring. After that, we will establish a legal operating agreement for physical improvements to occur and present the finalized plan to the City Council for approval, as part of the Face of the City review.

Yes. We truly care about your feedback. We plan to share our full vision with families and community members that have been in touch with us, and meet with additional West Palm Beach community groups and associations in the near future before we submit our plan to the City for a full review. If you’d like to talk with us, please reach out using this form and we'll be in touch to schedule a call or in-person meeting.