Forest Hills Cemetery Access

Established in 1848, the Forest Hills Cemetery, a 275-acre "garden cemetery" has long been one of our neighborhood's treasured green spaces, a living museum of art and history, and a peaceful sanctuary for reflection and recreation. As residents of Forest Hills, we've long enjoyed the cemetery's winding paths, beautiful landscapes, and rich historical heritage. Many of us have fond memories of walking, jogging, biking slowly, or simply finding moments of quiet contemplation within its grounds. Forest Hills Cemetery has been an integral part of our community's identity, embodying the ideals of the 19th-century rural cemetery movement that sought to create spaces of natural beauty and public enjoyment.

However, in 2020, the cemetery management implemented new policies restricting public access, closing its gates to non-plot owners and limiting visiting hours. This decision has deeply affected our community, representing a significant departure from the cemetery's long-standing tradition of openness. The management has also begun a process of massive deforestation within the cemetery in areas which abut Forest Hills. We, the Forest Hills Neighborhood Association, believe that this shift contradicts the cemetery's historical role as a community space and its self-described status as a "living cemetery." While we understand the need for security and respect for the cemetery's primary purpose, we hope to find a balance that honors both its function as a burial ground and its importance as a community asset.

Our goal is to open a constructive dialogue with the cemetery's trustees and management. We're encouraged by the involvement of City Councilor Ben Weber and other officials who are working to mediate this issue. We remain hopeful that through open communication and mutual understanding, we can reach a resolution that respects the cemetery's needs while preserving public access to this beloved space.