The Dedication of the Brooks Memorial Gazebo
August 24, 2024
On Friday, August 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM, approximately 70 people, including the entire Arlington Team and friends and relatives of Dan and Jo Ann Brooks, gathered under a perfectly delightful sky to dedicate the Brooks Memorial Gazebo. With its mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, the weather served as a harbinger of the warmth and significance this occasion would bring.
Key Speakers & Reflections
Contributions From the Arlington Memorial Gardens Team & the Cincinnati Mayor
The dedication ceremony featured heartfelt contributions from Arlington’s Director of Culture & Experience, Lisa McClain; Arlington Funeral Director & Celebrant, Alecia Braddock; and Arlington CEO, Dan Applegate, each sharing their reflections on the profound significance of this new landmark. Adding to the ceremony’s importance, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval issued a proclamation, officially designating the day as Jo Ann Brooks Day in Cincinnati.
The Special Significance of Brooks Memorial Gazebo
In his comments, Applegate fondly remembered how Dan and Jo Ann Brooks were frequently seen strolling through Arlington’s grounds. “They found moments—stole moments—of relaxation and connection at Meditation Point,” Applegate shared. “It became their special place, a spot where they could escape the bustle of life and be together, surrounded by the natural beauty they cherished.”
The Vision Behind the Gazebo at Meditation Point
Jo Ann Brooks passed away in 2019. In 2021, Brooks approached Applegate with the idea of donating the funding for a gazebo at Meditation Point to memorialize Jo Ann, his partner in life for 50 years. “The idea of adding a new landmark to our park was not only fundamentally inspiring,” Applegate said, “but also presented an opportunity to redevelop Meditation Point into something even more special and meaningful than in the past.”
Craig Brown, a landscape architect with HWH Architects, Planners & Engineers of Cleveland who has worked on Arlington projects for over twenty years, was engaged to craft the vision for this redevelopment. The project was anything but predictable; it was a transformative endeavor that altered Meditation Point from a simple, peaceful spot to a place of significant beauty and purpose.
Collaborating with Architect Craig Brown
With his long architectural career, Dan Brooks collaborated closely with Brown to ensure his vision would be realized to the fullest extent. Together, they developed a pier as a new public space to accommodate the gazebo and a limited number of future cremation niches. JCS Construction was engaged to build both the pier and the gazebo, and two years later, Brooks’ vision is now an incredible reality.
Future Arlington Memorial Gardens Development Projects
While the Landing at Meditation Point and the Brooks Memorial Gazebo are completed, some work remains around the landing, specifically around Arlington Lake and the cove to the south. Over the years, silt spilling into the cove has caused it to become progressively more shallow, resulting in an overgrowth of algae. A decision is pending on whether to dredge the cove to create a healthier environment or fill it in to reclaim what could be valuable space for development. Looking to Arlington’s future needs will be crucial as these options are evaluated.
A Legacy of Reflection and Peace
Regardless of the outcome, the Jo Ann Memorial Gazebo at the Landing of Meditation Point stands as an inviting and fundamentally new feature of Arlington that will serve visitors and families for years to come. The significance of this addition to our park cannot be overstated. It’s open to the public, and visitors to the park are welcome to access the space.
We sincerely thank Dan Brooks for his relentless vision and generosity in funding the gazebo project. His contribution has been creating a memorial for his wife, but it also serves as a “commons,” a place to gather and a place of connection, reflection, and peace for all who visit.
