When you enter Eternal Tides dedicated Memorial Space, you’ll likely notice a few things that have been thoughtfully designed to create a balance of meaning and sustainability. Here are some things to know about the space:

Turf

Eternal Tides purchased 990 square feet of upcyled artificial turf. At Eternal Tides, sustainability is at the heart of our design choices. The artificial turf used in our memorial space is repurposed and upcycled, reducing waste and giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. While a significant amount of artificial turf in the United States is already made from recycled materials, athletic artificial turf typically still usually lasts only 8–10 years before ending up as waste. Our turf at Eternal Tides used to be part of a football field somewhere, but now it welcomes mourning people and (sometimes) their pets as they say “goodbye” one last time. Beyond its practical benefits, our turf aims to create a soft, natural aesthetic and invite both comfort and peace for people. By choosing upcycled materials, we aim to honor the Earth as much as we honor the pets entrusted to our care, fostering a connection between the space and the values of those who visit.

Salvaged Lumber Fence

The warmth and character of our memorial space come, in part, from the use of salvaged lumber. Each plank of the 55 feet of salvaged cedar planks tells a story, bringing a history and authenticity to our indoor park aesthetic. By repurposing wood purchased from a decommissioned and abandoned fence in Lisbon, ND, we aimed to reduce the demand for newly harvested trees, supporting sustainable practices and preserving natural habitats. Eternal Tides put in more than 100 hours and immeasurable sweat-equity into cleaning, sanding, planing, and painting each and every piece of wood that would become our white park fence. The unique textures and tones of the salvaged lumber show through and help create an environment of quiet reflection, making every visit to Eternal Tides feel both personal and intentional.

Hand-built and Salvaged Furniture

Every bench, table, desk, chair, and planter in our memorial space has been thoughtfully crafted by hand or obtained through donation to keep materials out of our landfills and minimize a dependence on “new” things. We proudly used reclaimed materials whenever and wherever possible. Our upholstered chairs and sofa were donated and then deeply cleaned by the owner of Eternal Tides and his wife. The office desk was no longer needed and subsequently donated by our local emergency veterinary clinic. Our planters were constructed from excess cedar left over from the internal white fence that wraps the memorial space. The picnic tables, benches, and outdoor furniture were hand built from lumber purchased at a local provider. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact as often as it could, but also adds a layer of artistry and care to the space. Our furniture is designed to evoke the charm and tranquility of a real park, providing visitors with a serene place to sit, reflect, and remember their beloved pets.

Live Plants

The inclusion of live plants at Eternal Tides breathes life into our memorial space, connecting visitors to the beauty and renewal of the natural world. Carefully selected for their resilience and vibrancy, these plants purify the air and contribute to the calming atmosphere. While several plants were rescued from the clearance section at a local nursery, some have been donated (temporarily) by a local tropical plant enthusiast to be displayed and cared-for over the cold winter months in Fargo, ND. For many, the presence of greenery symbolizes growth, continuity, and the enduring bond shared with a cherished pet. At Eternal Tides, our live plants remind us that even in moments of grief, nature provides solace and inspiration.

Technology

Eternal Tides aims to cultivate a place of reflection and connection. Technology is a part of that journey for many people, so Eternal Tides also has two 55” televisions that families can use to display videos, images, songs, etc. during their time of commemorating friends. We believe in the power of art, and sometimes art requires technology to display it better.