Neighbors, patrons, historians and interested citizens are invited to attend a final presentation of recommendations stemming from the Hazelwood Cemetery Community Visioning Project at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 at the Schweitzer-Brentwood Branch Library (2214 S. Brentwood Blvd.).

In early 2017, Springfield Public Works engaged the help of Drury University’s Hammons School of Architecture to conduct a community visioning process to aid in the development of a long-term plan for Springfield’s historic Hazelwood Municipal Cemetery.

The final vision and recommendations were developed over a series of three public workshops attended by more than 40 dedicated community members and industry professionals.

The students’ report will include findings from the process and creative ideas for potential future improvements to the cemetery. This information could help Hazelwood address changing industry trends, increase visibility and vehicle access, and improve Public Works facilities located on cemetery grounds.

“It’s been interesting to see the students’ minds interact with the community members who are so intimately connected to Hazelwood Cemetery,” said Public Works Registered Architect Jennifer Swan. “The students provided many hours of research and have presented ideas that generated in-depth discussions that I hope will produce a focused vision for Hazelwood Cemetery as we celebrate its 150^th anniversary later this year.”

About Hazelwood

Hazelwood Cemetery will mark its 150^th anniversary in October. Located at 1642 E. Seminole in Springfield, it is maintained by Public Works’ Public Grounds division. It is the largest municipal cemetery in the state with 60 acres and over 44,000 grave spaces. The cemetery is still actively selling grave spaces.

Hazelwood is the final resting place of many notable Springfieldians including Springfield founder John Polk Campbell; Mayor, Congressman and Judge Sempronius (Pony) Boyd; and Route 66 visionary John T. Woodruff.