PARK GUIDELINES
Cemetery Decoration Guidelines and Regulations
1. Purpose
These rules are established to maintain a safe, peaceful, and well-kept environment for all visitors and personnel. Compliance ensures that maintenance and mowing can be performed without damage to memorials or decorations.
2. General Decoration Standards
- Decorations must reflect respect and dignity appropriate to a cemetery setting.
- All items must be placed at the headstone, monument, or in an approved vase.
- Decorations not conforming to these guidelines may be removed at the discretion of cemetery staff.
3. Floral Arrangements
- Other than at the actual time of the funeral service, wreaths, easels, baskets, live cut flowers, and potted plants are not permitted.
- Artificial flowers are permitted year-round when placed in an approved permanent or temporary vase. Flowers that become faded, wilted, or unsightly will be removed by staff.
- Glass, ceramic, porcelain, or other breakable flower containers are not allowed for safety reasons.
4. Seasonal and Holiday Decorations
- Seasonal items such as wreaths, flags, and small ornaments are welcome during recognized holidays.
- Holiday decorations must be removed within 30 days after the holiday unless otherwise posted.
5. Prohibited Items
For the safety of visitors and maintenance personnel, the following are not permitted:
- Fences, borders, curbing, rocks, pebbles, grave blankets, or edging around graves.
- Glass, porcelain, or ceramic containers and figurines; lanterns; or open flames.
- Shepherd hooks over 3 ft; wire-legged yard decorations; or decorations made of cardboard or styrofoam.
- Balloons, pinwheels, and stuffed animals.
- Permanent planting of shrubs, trees, or flowerbeds.
6. Flags and Veterans’ Tributes
- United States flags are permitted on graves.
- Flags should not exceed 12" × 18" and must be placed in an approved holder.
- Cemetery staff will respectfully remove flags when they become worn or damaged.
7. Maintenance and Cleanup
- Cemetery cleanup periods occur each spring and fall (specific dates will be posted).
- All decorations and flowers that are faded, worn, damaged, or that do not meet guidelines will be removed.
8. Markers and Memorials
All markers, memorials, and benches must meet Magnolia Park requirements. Contact office staff for details.
9. Permitted Items
Solar lights (maximum of two per marker), shepherd hooks (one per marker), flags (not taller than 24 inches), and figurines made of plastic or resin (not taller than 12 inches) are permitted.
10. Liability
The cemetery assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to decorations placed on graves. Families are encouraged to use durable, non-breakable materials and avoid items of sentimental or monetary value.
11. Enforcement
Cemetery staff reserve the right to remove or dispose of any decoration without notification if it:
- Violates these rules
- Interferes with maintenance
- Is deemed unsafe or inappropriate
- Creates a cluttered appearance
- Becomes faded, worn, or damaged
It is our goal to maintain a cemetery that is not only beautiful and inviting, but also safe for both our guests and our personnel. This objective can only be achieved with your cooperation in following the park guidelines. Together, we can preserve the beauty and rich heritage of Magnolia Park Cemetery.
