Removal of Cemetery Decorations Begins October 1, 2025

Des Moines, Iowa- Wednesday, September 24, 2025 -
On October 1, 2025, 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. Residents who have decorated gravesites with materials they would like to keep must remove them by no later than September 30, 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 September 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, 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 October 17, at which time the public will again be able to place decorations, which will be left in place until the spring cleanup begins the week of March 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].