The City of Lubbock cemetery is one of the largest in the state of Texas at 160 acres and 61,000 graves. Considered a Texas Historic cemetery, the first person was buried there in 1892.
Director of the cemetery, Jaime Coy said 2016 wasn’t a great year for the cemetery. With two instances of vandalism leaving nearly 40 graves damaged, and a grass fire from a tipped over candle. Coy said they intend to make 2017 the best year yet, and work to beautify the property.
“This is a beautiful place to rest, it’s a beautiful place to come out and visit,” Coy said. “With the help of the inmate work program with the sheriff’s office the inmates will come out here and help us get everything removed from the cemetery.”
The cemetery has also drawn up contracts with a new mowing & herbicide service.
“We’re looking at a month in a half we’ll start the contract mowing, purchasing of new greenery for the funeral services themselves, and instead of going out and buying new flowers and shrubs we are trying to grow them in house.”Coy said.
To tighten up security the property is having cameras installed at each entrance.
“If you’re thinking about coming in here and causing trouble at the cemetery, please think again,” Coy said. “Please think again because the damage you do goes far beyond the graves and the headstones, it extends to the family.”
Family members have until Monday, March 6, 2017 to come and pick up flowers or any items they have on graves before the staff begins the beautification process.
