The provisions of this article are hereby declared to be a necessary exercise of the police power of the State in order to preserve and keep existing cemeteries as resting places for the dead and to preserve cemeteries from becoming unkept and places of reproach and desolation in the communities in which they are located. The taking of roadways, alleys, walks, avenues, driveways, streets and parks for the purposes and by the method in this section specified, regardless of the private character of the association or person applying therefor, is hereby declared an exercise of the right of eminent domain in behalf of the public health, safety, comfort, pleasure, protection, and historic instruction to present and future generations.