THREE RIVERS, Mich. (WOOD) — Nearly a month after a EF2 tornado swept through Three Rivers, city officials are asking for help in cleaning up one of its most iconic locations: Riverside Cemetery.
More than a week after its reopening, the space meant for peace and reflection is marred by broken fencing and fallen branches. Director of Public Services Amy Roth told News 8 over the phone that 70 trees were uprooted in the March 6 storm and 10 others impacted. Overall, she said, very few headstones were damaged.
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Mike Heivilin lives across the river from the cemetery. He said it’s a favorite spot to walk his dog. Its lush green canopy drew visitors. Many of those same trees are now uprooted stumps.
“During the summer, everybody would bring their dogs and they would walk or people just walk in for their normal exercise. It was like 85% shaded. You can always take a walk in the shade, but this summer is going to be a whole lot different,” he said.
Crews were hard at work removing major debris and making repairs before the cemetery reopened to the public March 21. Heivilin said he’s impressed by the work they have done…