Sydney’s Forest Lawn Memorial Park slammed for ‘disrespect’ after announcing ‘open day’ at cemetery

A Sydney cemetery has copped a wave of criticism after announcing an event that has been slammed on social media.

EXCLUSIVE

A Sydney cemetery has abruptly cancelled a planned “open day” featuring a kids scavenger hunt, a petting zoo and an iPhone photography class after major backlash from the community.

Leppington’s Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Sydney’s southwest was set to host the open day on Saturday March 29 before cancelling the event on Wednesday.

The original announcement stated the open day would be hosting “fun-filled events and performances for everyone”.

“Don’t miss out on a day full of family fun, community spirit and support for a great cause,” the open day announcement stated.

The event was poorly received by the public. Picture: Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Live music, market stalls and workshops were also being featured at the event.

Despite telling loved ones who had complained that the event would be cancelled in light of the feedback, the Memorial Park later took to social media citing “weather concerns” for the cancellation.

“Due to the forecast of undue weather conditions for this weekend, unfortunately, we have cancelled the planned Open Day as these conditions could present a risk to park visitors and staff.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused, and we look forward to inviting the community into the park for future community events.

Macarthur resident Scott Daly, who has family member buried at the park, told news.com.au the event – and its subsequent cancellation – was a “monumental stuff up” from the venue.

“Their phone system collapsed with the amount of complaints they received,” he said.

The venue has blamed the event cancellation on the weather. Picture: Facebook

The open day was abruptly cancelled. Picture: Facebook

“Someone has had a complete brain fart and to save face with the predicted rain on Saturday then have shut down the event. Who possibly thought this would be a good idea?”

Mikayla King, who also has loved ones buried at the park, told news.com.au she was “very taken back” when she first saw the social media posts about the open day.

She said she contacted the venue to voice her discomfort and was later called by an employee that the event was being cancelled due to the feedback.

“You could imagine how shocked I was when I saw the social media post blaming the cancellation on the weather,” she said.

“It just would have been nice for them to own up to their decision.”

In a statement to news.com.au, Forest Lawn Memorial Park said the park hosted “many community and cultural events” throughout the year.

“The decision to cancel this weekend’s scheduled Open Day at Forest Lawn Memorial Park was made because of safety concerns for our team and visitors due to the forecast heavy weather conditions,” the statement said.

“We are aware of concerns raised by some individuals about the event and would like to reassure the community that we will always listen to and respect their feedback.”

A cemetery in Sydney has copped a wave of criticism online after locals took issue with a “disrespectful” event planned for the weekend. Picture: Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Originally published as Sydney’s Forest Lawn Memorial Park slammed for ‘disrespect’ after announcing ‘open day’ at cemetery