AN OVERVIEW OF P4

WHAT IS THE PIONEERTOWN PRESERVATION PARK PROJECT?

     Conceptualized by Pioneertown author Kenneth B. Gentry, the Pioneertown Preservation Park Project (P4) would be a cemetery unlike any other in the world. P4 would combine all of the most significant past and present internment designs and technology to allow for maximum use of both space and resources. In addition to this, P4 would also incorporate a revolutionary long-term cemetery financing plan by offering, from the start, amenities which present-day cemeteries are only just now starting to offer. 

     In correlation with the numerous potential non-traditional amenities P4 would offer, this modern necropolis would have a goal unlike any modern-day burial ground: the celebration and preservation of life, both before and after death. 

Pioneertown isn't just a town. It was created by adding together multiple in-demand elements that worked harmoniously. Similarly, P4 wouldn't be just a cemetery. It would be something very unique – a culmination of different key synergistic traits – a cemetery with unparalleled western character for those who have passed on and a plethora of recreational activities for those of us still living.

     Though that might sound like an odd combination, the two would play off each other quite well. In fact, what P4 is proposing is very similar to many of the first and longest-running private cemeteries in the United States. A new cemetery would benefit one group of people in town; just as new recreational activities in town would benefit another group of people. Offering a private cemetery that included amenities like a shaded picnic area next to a pond, a small dog park, horse corrals and horse-trailer parking for day riding, would have multiple synergistic benefits.

     To put it simply, P4 would attract anyone interested in Pioneertown or recreational activities as well as anyone interested in being laid to rest in a cemetery when their time comes. That’s a pretty wide net P4 would be working with!  

     A Community Meeting was held at Pioneertown in September of 2o18 to propose this idea to residents. Responses gathered from that meeting and the town's social media page were slightly conflicting, but showed that a majority of Pioneertown residents, business and land owners were interested in seeing P4 completed.

     P4 would be one of the only businesses in Pioneertown that would allow residents to buy in, become shareholders and share in the potential profits of the company. Exactly like the original Pioneertown Land Corporation. P4 is aimed at providing for the people of Pioneertown – not providing more for those who simply visit Pioneertown. P4 would be giving the community of Pioneertown the first chance at funding and ultimately managing P4 while focusing on accommodating Pioneertown’s long-term residents. P4 aims to offer a peaceful and relaxing place for the residents of Pioneertown to commune with their family, friends and pets.

P4’S VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE PROFIT

     There are a variety of different potential revenue sources for P4 beyond simply selling and managing grave plots or niches and setting up an everlasting investment portfolio. For example, in addition to everyday sources of revenue from offering recreational options whenever P4 is open, the property would also be available to host private ceremonies and events for members.

     P4’s ultimate goal is to create a self-sustaining location with amenities that encourage fun for the living, but also a place that is dedicated to preserving Pioneertown's past, by providing a much-needed final resting place for our friends and loved ones.

     With low operational overhead and multiple potential sources of revenue once established, P4’s plans to ensure Pioneertown Preservation Park's longevity would also provide a steady return on investment.  The more residents and property owners within 92268 that become involved, the easier and sweeter this entire process could be.

P4’s NEXT STEPS

     In a nutshell, P4 is looking for more support. I have worked solo on this project for over half a decade and I am at a point where I need help to make this all happen.

     P4 is also searching for land in Pioneertown well suited for this project. The first property that was proposed to the county, 4554 and 4584 Monterry Road in Pioneertown, was ideal for numerous reasons. However, after San Bernardino County conducted their feasibility study in 2o21, it was determined that under SBC’s current regulations, P4 would need to pave roads to said property. This was just one of numerous conditions of approval from the county that prevented P4 from using this land. 

     If we can locate and acquire 5-25 acres of land that meets up with Pioneertown Road, then we could begin site planning and rerunning the numbers for the new location. From there, we would conduct another feasibility study. If that goes in P4’s favor, the next steps would include a public response study and the initial funding campaign, including the IPO and P7 Coin Program.

     Once the location is nailed down and the funding campaign is initiated, P4 will need to start working with California and the Cemetery & Funeral Bureau to begin the process of becoming a professionally permitted, licensed and insured cemetery.