The grounds of St. Mark's Church in Smith's are to be joined in a "cohesive park-like plan" to take better advantage of the natural environment.

The transformation is to be spread over the next five years, and will see "memory gestures" included in the property as tributes to persons buried there.

"The St. Mark's Anglican Church has been a place of worship and community since 1670 and we look forward to celebrating our 400th anniversary in only 62 years time," explained Colin Campbell of OBM Architectural Firm and a member of the church.

"We are looking to create a comprehensive park which connects the graveyard, church parking lot, church hall and residential area into one cohesive park-like plan that best allows church members and residents alike to enjoy the natural built environment,"

The idea is to establish a series of gardens and places for contemplation – areas built for pure relaxation and sites from where persons can enjoy the flora and fauna likely to be on display.

Mr. Campbell insisted the aim is not to compete with the Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, located only a few yards from the church however he expects that with bluebird boxes, milkweed for butterflies and possibly a beehive, the area will prove a magnet for fauna.

Church members will be invited to weigh in on the project.

Said Mr. Campbell: "We will be putting the plans to the congregation soon for their approval. We will be encouraging them to help us to create memory gestures for all of St. Mark's properties as we have some great people who attend our church as well as those who are buried in the graveyards."

Church officers will be encouraging members to donate plants and park benches to the project.

Referring to the grave area as a "life sanctuary", Mr. Campbell said: "We wanted to create a place where family and friends can sit and enjoy the biggest part of life, which is death.

"Graveyards don't have to be such a morbid place, so we hope to create a life sanctuary where people can relax and enjoy the scenery while paying their respects."

Plans also include a garden displaying all of the plants that are currently depicted in each of the church's stained glass windows.

Mr. Campbell said that he and Reverend Don Moore have been working on the idea for the last ten years. They predict the entire project will take five years to complete.

Some developments have already started – removing part of outside walls to create walkways, and planting various plants which the pair said should start blooming by spring.