FORT SMITH -- The city's Parks and Recreation Department has begun removing items from gravesites and columbaria at Oak Cemetery to comply with city municipal codes regarding the maintenance and upholding of the standards of the cemetery grounds.
A city press release states families and loved ones were requested to remove any personal items placed on and around gravesites or columbaria by Feb. 8, and that city officials appreciate the efforts of those who have complied with this request. It states all remaining items on and around the gravesites or columbaria will be removed by the city and safely stored so they can be reclaimed. After March 22, the items will be respectfully discarded.
"We understand the sensitivity of this process and are committed to handling each item with the utmost respect and care," the release states.
Those with questions or concerns may contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 479-784-1006 or via email at [email protected].
Oak Cemetery is recognized as a national historic landmark based on more than 152 years of documented history, according to the city's website. There are a number of cemeteries in Fort Smith, but Oak Cemetery is the only one listed in the ordinance that needs items removed.
The ordinance states: "The city reserves the right, without notice, to remove from lots or columbaria glassware, boxes, cans, pots, toys, temporary flower containers, dead flowers or any article or object that may be unsightly or interfere with the cutting of grass or create unnecessary maintenance for cemetery personnel. Anything of apparent value will be held in storage for one month before disposal. Cut flowers, funeral designs and floral pieces will be removed when they become unsightly. Persons desiring to retain baskets, designs or mementos should remove them within five days after interment/inurnment. Mounding or decorating the complete interment site on a permanent or semi-permanent basis is not permitted."
Workers with the City of Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Department remove flowers and other items from around gravestones, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. After months of notifying the public to remove the items ahead of Friday’s deadline, many members of which complied, workers spent the day at the city-run cemetery discarding and bagging leftover items in compliance with the Fort Smith Municipal Code §7-27. Patrick Geels, parks maintenance supervisor, said the ordinance was enforced so that mowers and other maintenance workers can properly maintain the cemetery grounds. Geels added that he understood many people might be upset by the removal of the items, but offered that flower vases and other items that can rest on the gravestones instead of on the grass are still welcome. Any items that were bagged will be placed in storage for reclaiming until March 22, after which they will be discarded. Anyone with questions about the removed items can contact Fort Smith Parks at (479) 784-1006 or [email protected]. Visit rivervalleydemocratgazette.com/photo for today’s photo gallery..(River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Hank Layton)
Workers with the City of Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Department remove flowers and other items from around gravestones, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith. After months of notifying the public to remove the items ahead of Friday’s deadline, many members of which complied, workers spent the day at the city-run cemetery discarding and bagging leftover items in compliance with the Fort Smith Municipal Code §7-27. Patrick Geels, parks maintenance supervisor, said the ordinance was enforced so that mowers and other maintenance workers can properly maintain the cemetery grounds. Geels added that he understood many people might be upset by the removal of the items, but offered that flower vases and other items that can rest on the gravestones instead of on the grass are still welcome. Any items that were bagged will be placed in storage for reclaiming until March 22, after which they will be discarded. Anyone with questions about the removed items can contact Fort Smith Parks at (479) 784-1006 or [email protected]. Visit rivervalleydemocratgazette.com/photo for today’s photo gallery..(River Valley Democrat-Gazette/Hank Layton)