Parks & Recreation Department crews will begin a maintenance and cleaning audit on October 5 at Oak Grove Cemetery. Families are asked to visit burial plots and remove unpermitted decorations.
PADUCAH – The Parks & Recreation Department will begin a maintenance and cleaning audit at Oak Grove Cemetery on October 5. Families are encouraged to visit burial plots and remove any decorations that are dilapidated, out-of-season, or not permitted under the cemetery’s guidelines before that date.
The Department periodically reviews the city-owned cemetery at 1613 Park Avenue to identify maintenance needs and ensure the grounds remain well-maintained, safe, and attractive. As part of this process, Parks & Recreation crews remove decorations that are weathered, outdated, or not permitted.
“Maintaining the cemetery grounds is an important responsibility of the Parks and Recreation team,” said Director of Parks & Recreation Amie Clark. “While much of our staff’s time is dedicated to mowing, trimming, and caring for the grounds, routine seasonal cleanups give our team an opportunity to remove décor that has become weathered or does not meet cemetery guidelines. We understand that flowers and decorations are a meaningful way for visitors to honor and remember their loved ones, and we truly appreciate the care and thought that goes into each tribute. We encourage visitors to pick up personal décor that they wish to keep before the seasonal cleanup process begins.”
The following forms of decoration are approved at burial plots:
- Fresh or artificial flowers in a cemetery-approved vase that is permanently mounted on the monument or memorial. Vases that are made of glass, porcelain, or plastic cannot be placed at a grave since they can be damaged during maintenance operations.
- Flowers in a hanging basket or a hanging solar lantern on an iron or steel, single-hook shepherd’s hook that is 48 inches in length.
- Monument benches placed by a monument company and set as the headstone.
Items that are not permitted at burial plots include toys, ornaments, borders, plantings, ground covers (such as stones, gravel, mulch, etc.) candles, unsecured garden benches, or fragile items such as glass.
Families or organizations that would like to provide maintenance on family plots should contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 270-444-8508 to coordinate.
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