The Board of Pine Hill Cemetery is asking all families to please bring their lots into compliance with long-standing rules. This will allow the staff to continue to safely maintain the cemetery. Families have until Oct. 1 to remove any infractions, including objects, borders or fences. This includes any objects or materials left on the base or top of headstones. The cemetery rules can be found posted on the Pine Hill Facebook page and at all cemetery gates. Families are allowed to place only upright headstones, potted or planted flowers, and bark mulch. On Oct. 3, all remaining infractions will be removed by the staff.
While most of these rules have existed since the cemetery’s opening in 1842, it has been difficult for staff to consistently enforce them. Unfortunately, many objects and barriers have been placed that restrict staff from safe and adequate maintenance. Inclement weather and curious children can cause objects to wind up dropped in the grass. Unintentionally, mower and trimmer blades can break them into pieces. These fragments then become dangerous projectiles that scatter around the cemetery. Many visitors often sit on graves or allow children to play barefoot, and broken objects are very hazardous to them.
A common misconception is that when a burial lot is purchased, the land is then owned by the purchaser. However, only the right of burial is purchased, not the land itself. The land remains property of the cemetery and must be maintained by our staff. Your understanding and help to make Pine Hill Cemetery better and safe is greatly appreciated.
The Board of Pine Hill Cemetery
Westfield
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