The Colonial-era cemetery hidden in plain sight at the corner of Kings Highway North and Wilton Road is not easy to get to.
There is no parking (unless you count the private medical complex across the busy street).
It’s hilly and rocky.
But it sure is historic. It’s part of Westport’s past.
And now — after a long period of neglect — it’s been cleaned up.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department took on the task. The graveyard may not attract many visitors, but people have noticed.
Nearby resident Gloria Gouveia says, “At a time when it seems we are quicker to criticize than to express gratitude, 2 thumbs up to Parks & Rec and everyone responsible for the clean-up of the Kings Highway Cemetery.
“The efforts of the crew were a joy to behold. Thank you very much, from a grateful neighbor.”
Harris Falk agrees. He made his way there, and took these photos:
(Photos/Harris Falk)
Morley Boyd adds, “Wendy Crowther and I have been pleased with Parks & Rec’s response to the concerns we raised about this sacred space.
“The new parks superintendent, Nick Quatrano, got right on it and has kept us updated. Obviously, given the extreme state of disrepair that this town-owned cemetery has been permitted to fall into, it’s going to take years to adequately address.
“The good news is that Parks & Rec is open to applying for state grants. which will certainly help — especially since the current budget line for cemetery maintenance makes no allowance for anything beyond mowing.”
At a time when Westporters are looking ahead — to a new elementary school, first responders’ facility, maintenance building and more — it’s nice to know that in one corner of town government, officials are looking backward too.
Thanks, Nick and everyone at Parks & Rec. Thanks to you, the past lives on.
(To learn more about the Kings Highway cemetery, click here.)
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