Removal of Cemetery Decorations Begins July 1, 2026

Des Moines, Iowa - Friday, June 26, 2026 - On July 1, 2026, weather permitting, Des Moines Park and Recreation Department staff will begin the process of removing all cemetery memorial decorations that have been placed on gravesites in municipal cemeteries. Individuals who have decorated gravesites with materials they would like to keep must remove them by no later than June 30, 2026, from the following municipal cemeteries:

• Glendale - 4909 University Ave.
• Glendale Masonic - 1550 48th Street
• Woodland and Saint Ambrose - 2019 Woodland Ave.
• Laurel Hill - 3601 East Court Ave.
• Oak Grove - 3903 SW 31st St.
• Sims - 3605 East University Ave.
• Elm Grove - 6501 Indianola Rd.

Materials remaining on gravesites and monuments after June 30 will be discarded. The Cemetery staff will remove and discard ornaments, such as vigil lights, wreaths, statues, metal holders, floral decorations, fences, shepherd's hooks, boxes, toys, vases, glass, solar lights, flags, wood signs, seasonal decorations, cement blocks, unsightly decorations, faded decorations and similar articles placed on burial spaces. No material of any kind (rocks, borders, edging, etc.) shall be permitted at any time. Cemetery staff will complete the clearing of materials by 4:00 p.m. on July 24, at which time the public will again be able to place decorations, which will be left in place until the summer cleanup begins the week of July 1.

For more information pertaining to any of these locations, contact the Des Moines Municipal Cemetery Customer Service and Sales office at 515-248-6320 or [email protected].

Contact
Zoe Sadauskis
Communications Specialist, City Manager's Office
(515) 205-3829
[email protected]

About the City of Des Moines
The City of Des Moines is Iowa's capital city and our 17 departments serve more than 214,000 residents and 46 neighborhood associations. Des Moines is a leader in sustainability and provides its residents with vibrant neighborhoods, an alive and active downtown, and abundant leisure opportunities.

Des Moines continuously improves neighborhoods, public safety and quality of life by offering exceptional city services and reliable infrastructure while fostering an involved and compassionate community for all who visit and live in Des Moines.

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