Cleanup begins at City of Hickory cemeteries

HICKORY - Cemetery maintenance crews will soon begin cleanup efforts to improve the appearance of City of Hickory cemeteries by removing any previous arrangements that do not align with the City’s regulations.

A cemetery is a special place for many people, serving as the final resting place for loved ones. While flower arrangements are a popular way to honor family and friends who have passed, those items can become weathered and worn. To help enhance the appearance of its cemeteries, the City of Hickory is planning a Cemetery Cleanup from Monday, September 12 to Friday, September 16.

The City of Hickory maintains four cemeteries: Oakwood, Fairview, Ridgeview, and Southside. Those who have loved ones in any of these cemeteries should be advised that City cemetery maintenance staff will be removing unsightly or undesirable items (i.e. weathered flowers, toys, trinkets, vases, jars, etc.) from gravesites during the cleanup week.

Any item that is not in compliance with cemetery regulations will be disposed of at that time.

If families have a particular item they wish to keep, the City encourages them to visit the gravesite and remove the item prior to the cleanup.

There is no set schedule for that week, as work will be completed as schedules allow. However, there will be crews working in each cemetery simultaneously throughout the week.

“New” arrangements that adhere to cemetery regulations may be placed on Saturday, September 17, following the cleanup week. All flowers should be displayed in permanent vases attached to the markers.

For more information about the Cemetery Cleanup, contact the City of Hickory Parks & Public Properties Division’s cemetery office at 828-323-7561.