Oak Park Cemetery in Chandler is rather quiet and peaceful in the mornings. But around 7:07 a.m., headlights can be seen making their way through the gravestones.
From then until just after the first bell at 8:05 a.m., there was a small yet steady stream of cars. On that Friday morning, just over 30 vehicles drove through the cemetery, with two noticeably speeding.
Residents have long used the cemetery to bypass school traffic at the high school complex and Park Road Elementary. However, that could end after the Chandler City Council meeting on Nov. 14.
Oak Park Cemetery was put on the agenda at the previous meeting on Oct. 11 when a citizen addressed members regarding an incident that occurred there in late September. Charles Thornsberry asked that the council return to locking the cemetery overnight after a driver hit and damaged headstones. The grave of Thornsberry’s sister was one of those affected.
“I don’t feel like that’s appropriate for traffic if you want to do a cemetery. It’s kind of a solemn place. Unfortunately, no one could see that coming, but it could have been prevented if the gates were there and we could stop the traffic from cutting through there,” he said.
According to Chandler Police Chief Matt Mattheyer, a person drove from the south gate going north and ran over four headstones. It is believed it occurred during the night on Sep. 20. There was no debris left behind from the vehicle, though it is assumed it was damaged considering the size of one of the headstones. As of Nov. 3, Mattheyer said there was no new information and there have been no more incidents at Oak Park Cemetery.
David Nichols, who currently heads Public Works, said there hasn’t been much vandalism in the cemetery, but the bigger issue is the drivers that use it to bypass the schools.
“I’ve literally seen funerals going on out there and people driving through them. They show no respect,” Nichols said at the Oct. 10 meeting. “And 90 percent of the traffic coming through there in the mornings and in the afternoons is school traffic.”
He suggested that the city close off one entrance and only open it to allow funeral processions through. Nichols said it wouldn’t hinder people who wished to visit. They will still be able to drive into the cemetery through the open gate or park and walk in.
Another option is to put the gates back up on both sides and return to locking them overnight.
Geoff Metheny, principal at Chandler High School, said he didn’t think closing down the thoroughfare would have a major impact on traffic at the high school.
“Those two times of the day are the worst times for us, but I think whether those gates are open or closed, we’re going to have the same amount of traffic through here,” he said.
Park Road Elementary Principal Bridget Hughey said the only safety concern she had was the risk of an accident involving students with more cars driving through the high school.
“There have not been any issues with traffic on that road regarding Park Road Elementary, however, parents do use that road to get in line to pick up their child. in fact, oftentimes, traffic is backed up all the way to the cemetery,” she said.
Overall, Chandler residents seem to mostly support blocking through traffic.
“I have been out there decorating and cars and pick-ups cut through there,” said Jan Mitchell. “I firmly believe that the road through the cemetery should only be used for the purpose it is meant for.”
Tedina White said that she understands it’s a safer alternative to driving through the school with so many kids walking around, but she’s always thought the way the school allowed it to be used was disrespectful.
“It’s not meant to be a traffic through street,” she said.
Erin Allen said it would impact traffic around pickup time but suggested the school and city work together for a solution that works for all.