Rules & Regulations

To ensure a safe, respectful, and peaceful environment for all visitors, guests are asked to observe the following guidelines while on Cemetery property.

• Visitors are welcome to walk, bicycle, or drive (at no more than 10 MPH) on the Cemetery property.
• Visitors are to wear proper attire, including shirts and footwear, and respect the privacy and solemnity of graveside services.
• Jogging and fast walking are acceptable, but for safety reasons, we recommend no earphones are worn when doing so on Cemetery property.
• The walking of dogs is permitted on the path/road only; so long as the dog stays on a leash, and any waste is immediately picked up and properly disposed of.
• Visitors, when on the grounds, are at their own risk, and WLNP assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury that visitors may sustain while on the property.
• Children aged 12 and under are welcome to visit, but must be accompanied by an adult who shall bear responsibility for their conduct.
• Pedestrians are expected to walk only on the roadways or lanes designated for pedestrian use. If the only access to a lot is across another lot, then the necessary crossing is permitted.
• Vehicular travel shall be limited to the Cemetery roadways, and shall be done slowly and as quietly as possible.
• The Cemetery property, including its roadways, is to be closed to visitors from dusk until dawn.

To maintain a peaceful and dignified environment for all, visitors are expected to refrain from interrupting or disturbing graveside services. Additionally, we ask that all visitors show respect for the cultural and religious customs observed by others. Disruptive, disrespectful, or antagonistic behavior towards any religious or cultural practices will not be tolerated.

To ensure that all visitors can experience a peaceful and respectful environment, Woodlawn-North Purchase Cemeteries maintains the following restrictions on activities and conduct while on Cemetery property:

• Bringing, leaving, consuming, or using alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs (including the smoking of marijuana) on property.
• Dumping, littering of any kind, or lighting fires.
• Sunbathing, lounging, or picnicking.
• The playing of loud music or amplified sound.
• Use of drones.
• Performing any work within the Cemetery without the WLNP Superintendent’s permission.
• Soliciting or selling any product or service.
• Placement of any signs, political banners, notices, or advertisements.
• Weapons of any kind (Military funerals and law enforcement officers excepted).
• ATVs, snow mobiles, dirt bikes, go karts, sleds, skis, toboggans, and skateboards.
• Disturbing or damaging any structure, tree, plant, shrub, or grass area.
• Photography, videography, or recording of persons other than those in your own party.
• The use of trail or game cameras is prohibited. Absolutely no hunting is allowed anywhere on property.

Individuals wishing to film or take photographs or video on Cemetery grounds intended for public or commercial publication are prohibited from doing so without the permission of the Superintendent. Such permission shall be in writing, and any film, photograph, or video that is intended to be used in such manner must also be approved prior to its publication.

Woodlawn North Purchase Cemeteries carefully maintains its grounds to preserve a peaceful, respectful, and dignified environment for all visitors and families. Decorations and plantings are welcome within established guidelines to ensure the beauty, safety, and accessibility of the Cemetery grounds.

Landscaping & Plantings

Trees, shrubs, and flowers are placed throughout the Cemetery by WLNP to enhance the overall beauty and serenity of the grounds.

• Planting or removal of trees, shrubs, or flowers requires approval from the Superintendent.
• The Cemetery reserves the right to remove or dispose of plantings, decorations, or landscape features when necessary to maintain the grounds.

Prohibited Decorations

To protect the safety, appearance, and maintenance of the Cemetery grounds, certain decorative items are not permitted. Items not permitted include, but are not limited to:

• Artificial flowers or plants
• Glass containers
• Solar or artificial lighting
• Candles
• Wind chimes
• Pinwheels
• Balloons
• Toys
• Garden ornaments
• Banners
• Metal rods
• Birdhouses
• Environmentally harmful items
• Hand-made monuments unless specifically approved

The presence of an item on another grave does not necessarily mean it is permitted. Items may have been approved as exceptions, or may not yet have been removed.

Seasonal Decorations

Winter Holiday Decorations

• Artificial wreaths and small potted trees without lights are permitted from December 1 through January 31.
• Cleanup may extend into February or March depending on weather conditions. A delayed cleanup does not extend the permitted display period.

Other Holidays

• Decorations for other holidays are permitted one week before and one week after the holiday.

Shepherd’s Hooks

Shepherd’s hooks are no longer permitted as of June 1, 2026. Families are encouraged to remove existing shepherd’s hooks at their earliest convenience. Remaining hooks will be removed and discarded by Cemetery staff as part of regular maintenance.

Maintenance & Removal of Items

Cemetery personnel may enter upon lots, graves, and other Cemetery property to maintain the grounds and remove items that are unapproved, unsafe, deteriorated, harmful, unsightly, or inappropriate for a cemetery setting.

• Items placed on graves are the responsibility of the owner.
• The Cemetery is not responsible for theft, damage, loss, or disposal of decorations or keepsakes.
• Even approved items are placed at the owner’s risk.
• Items may be removed without notice when necessary.

Placement Restrictions

• Items may not extend more than 18 inches from the front of a monument.
• Items may not be placed along the sides or rear of a monument without Superintendent approval.
• Enclosing or surrounding a grave or lot is not permitted.

Grave Settling & Landscaping

Settling after a new burial is a normal part of the process. Over time, soil naturally compresses due to rain and gravity, which may cause the ground surface to sink.

• Landscaping crews will address settling and perform repairs as needed.
• Repairs may take several months depending on conditions.
• Grass growth may vary between individual lots.
• Overall Cemetery care is prioritized rather than maintaining identical conditions at every individual grave.

Maintenance Around Personal Items

During routine maintenance, landscaping staff generally work around items placed on graves rather than removing and replacing them. Excessive decorations may limit access and contribute to uneven grass growth.

Natural Conditions & Cemetery Maintenance

Certain natural conditions, including grass growth variation, settling, and seasonal leaf accumulation, are beyond the Cemetery’s control. Maintenance activities are performed throughout the grounds in stages, meaning some areas may appear recently maintained while others are awaiting service.

Some plantings and decorative features may have been installed under previous regulations and remain permitted. Families are encouraged to avoid comparing individual graves, as conditions and allowances may vary.

The cemetery provides access to water during the warmer months to assist families in caring for flowers and plants at their loved ones’ gravesites. This service is offered as a courtesy and is not guaranteed. We appreciate your understanding that water availability may vary throughout the season due to weather, maintenance, and other circumstances.

Responsible Usage

Water is provided to support gravesite care and should be used responsibly. Please ensure all taps are fully turned off after use.

• Leaving taps running or wasting water may result in the system being shut off to prevent damage or overuse.
• Water should only be used for gravesite-related purposes.
• Washing vehicles or other non-gravesite-related uses are not permitted.

Reporting Issues

Visitors play an important role in helping us maintain a reliable water system. If you notice a broken tap or other water-related issue, please notify Cemetery staff as soon as possible. Early reporting helps prevent extended outages.

Temporary Water Shut-Offs

Water service may occasionally be interrupted due to necessary repairs, maintenance, vandalism, improper use, or efforts to prevent system failure and conserve resources.

Please Note:
We ask visitors not to contact staff regarding water outages or expected restoration times. The Cemetery is aware of service interruptions and will address issues as soon as possible. Restoration timelines may depend on weather conditions, repairs, and contractor availability.

Seasonal Availability

There is no set date for when water service will be restored each spring. Activation depends on weather conditions and cannot occur until overnight temperatures consistently remain above freezing to prevent burst pipes and costly damage.

This water service is provided at the Cemetery’s expense as a courtesy to families. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during periods when water may be unavailable. Your understanding helps us maintain a peaceful and well-kept environment for everyone who visits and remembers their loved ones.

To ensure consistency, safety, and the long-term appearance of the Cemetery, all monuments, markers, and memorials must comply with the following guidelines:

• Families are welcome to work with the monument company of their choice; however, home-made monuments are not permitted.
• All monuments, markers, and memorials are subject to Cemetery approval. WLNP reserves the right to approve the size, design, symbolism, craftsmanship, materials, inscriptions, and overall appearance of any memorial placed within the Cemetery.
• Monument size and type are determined by the Cemetery section, the number of graves purchased, and the intended use of the lot.
• The location and orientation of every monument or marker must be approved by the Cemetery prior to installation.
• Only one upright or slant monument is permitted per lot. Multiple flat markers may be allowed where applicable.

To ensure that every interment is carried out with care and respect, the following requirements and guidelines apply:

• A signed interment order, proof of interment rights (preferably by presenting the original grave receipt), all required documentation—including a burial permit and, for cremated remains, a certificate of cremation—and payment of applicable fees must be received before any interment can take place.
• Interments must be scheduled at least two (2) business days in advance. While every effort will be made to accommodate requested dates and times, availability cannot be guaranteed.
• Interments are not performed after 2:00 PM, or on Sundays, holidays, or holiday weekends.
• Interment fees may not be paid more than two (2) weeks in advance unless approved by the Cemetery office, as fees are subject to change.
• WLNP does not accept personal checks, credit or debit cards, or payment plans. Payment must be made in full using one of the following methods:
  • Cash
  • Bank check
  • Money order
  • Business check issued by a funeral home

Permitted Interment Combinations

Unless otherwise approved by the Cemetery, each grave may contain one of the following:

• One full-casket burial
• One full-casket burial and up to two cremated remains
• Up to four cremated remains (no casket burial)

The following policies address administrative matters, interment rights, liability, and other provisions that help ensure the orderly operation of the Cemetery.

Interment Rights

• A grave receipt, certificate, or grave deed grants the right of interment only. It does not convey ownership of land or authorize changes, decorations, or other modifications without Cemetery approval.
• Interment rights may not be sold to another party. They may be transferred in accordance with Cemetery policy, a duly probated will, or applicable Massachusetts law.
• The Cemetery may, but is not obligated to, repurchase unused interment rights at the original purchase price.
• For assistance with transferring interment rights, please contact the Cemetery office.

Events & Contractors

• Large gatherings or events require prior approval from Cemetery staff to avoid conflicts with scheduled services.
• Private contractors are responsible for any damage they cause to Cemetery property and must take appropriate precautions while working on the grounds.

Cemetery Administration

• The Cemetery reserves the right to resurvey and subdivide unsold lots or portions of lots.
• Lot holders are responsible for notifying the Cemetery of any changes to their mailing address or other contact information.
• Questions regarding these Rules and Regulations or matters not specifically addressed should be directed to the Cemetery office.

Liability & Compliance

• If an error occurs due to incorrect records, human error, or other circumstances, the Cemetery reserves the right to make any necessary corrections and shall not be held liable for such corrections.
• All Cemetery operations are subject to the Cemetery’s bylaws, charter, and all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Attleboro.
• The Cemetery reserves the right to enforce these Rules and Regulations as reasonably necessary to preserve a safe, attractive, peaceful, and dignified environment for all families and visitors.