Adapting cemeteries for child visitors: Professionals' perspectives on inclusion and child-friendliness

Cemeteries are visited by various user groups and may become increasingly important for them with increased densification of other open spaces. While there is a small but growing body of research on activities such as recreation in cemeteries, studies focusing on children as visitors are particularly scarce. This study therefore explores how cemeteries can be made more child-friendly and inclusive for children. Interviews were conducted with eight professionals working with cemeteries in Sweden, including cemetery managers, project managers, a vicar, a pedagogue, and a landscape architect. Two of these interviews related to cemeteries where adaptations for children had been made. The results revealed different perspectives, highlighting a general willingness to better include children, in ways that can be considered respectful. Although actual examples of adaptations appear rare, combinations of child-friendliness with nature and biodiversity, or with concrete maintenance, may be of particular interest. Identified barriers for more child-friendly cemeteries include unclear responsibilities, as well as a lack of knowledge and time.