Lakewood Cemetery in southwest Minneapolis is striving to not only be a final resting place for loved ones and for people to gather in their memory but is also working to expand how a cemetery can serve a community.

A part of that effort is a new welcome center, which opened this past week.

Julia Gillis, the director of marketing and outreach for Lakewood Cemetery, spoke with 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS about their effort, which includes programming centered on remembrance, grief, loss and memorialization. There are also garden areas, water features and seating for visitors.

Additional information on the welcome center and cemetery can be found by CLICKING HERE.