Anniversary marred by Adelaide cemetery left in ‘disgraceful state’
Cemetery managers have issued an apology to families after one couple marking the anniversary of a parent’s death found his grave strewn with debris from workers.
A local couple has raised the alarm after being angered by the “disgraceful state” of Enfield Memorial Park cemetery during a poignant visit to a family member’s grave on Saturday.
“My partner and I just went to Enfield Memorial to lay flowers for the anniversary of my father’s death and were met with a pretty disgusting sight,” they said.
“Apparently they are refurbishing the memorial garden where my dad’s ashes are interred. There are downed trees, memorials covered in debris, disturbed gifts… it’s left in a disgraceful state.”
Adelaide Cemeteries, which owns and cares for four SA cemeteries including Enfield, West Terrace Cemetery, Cheltenham Cemetery and Smithfield Memorial Park, describes Enfield as a “beautifully maintained public park” and “green oasis and a focal point for the diverse local community”.
However, last weekend grave sites had been left covered in dirt, torn up plants, damaged irrigation pipes and destroyed trees amid the ongoing refurbishment works.
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One image showed a teddy bear, likely left on a nearby grave site, discarded in the dirt.
Enfield Memorial Park is a cemetery with on-site chapels, memorial gardens, and lawn burial sites located in the northern suburb of Clearview and is managed by Adelaide Cemeteries. Adelaide Cemeteries a self-funded statutory authority of the state government, governed by a board of directors that reports to Minister Nick Champion.
InDaily understands the damage is a result of ongoing maintenance and refurbishment works to Enfield’s Pavilion Garden which started last week.
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Other maintenance works have been ongoing since March, including the raising and re-levelling of sandstone slopers affected by tree roots, turf replacement, and the pruning and removal of dead tree branches.
According to the Adelaide Cemeteries website, no trees would be removed as part of the refurbishment works at Enfield, however, images show several fallen trees and plants strewn over headstones.
Adelaide Cemeteries has issued an apology to the family for “any distress caused during their recent visit” and says it has taken immediate action to clean up the site.
“We are committed to ensuring Enfield Memorial Park is well-presented and maintained as a dignified place for remembrance, reflection and connection for families and the wider community,” an Adelaide Cemeteries spokesperson said.
“Last week works commenced to rejuvenate this section of the park including introducing more suitable and sustainable plants and a new irrigation system.
“Unfortunately, on Friday, the site was not left in a way that aligns with the standards on which we pride ourselves.”
The spokesperson said Enfield has “established processes” for mowing, weed management, garden maintenance, waste removal and general presentation that is undertaken by contractors and supported by staff which work across its sites.
“We have tended to the area, while reminding the contractor involved of their obligations, and will closely monitor its presentation throughout the upgrade works,” the spokesperson said.
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