Unprecedented Vandalism at the Community Park
The Community Organization had a rude introduction – unprecedented vandalism at the Community Park. The Communication & Development Director and the Parks and Trails Director concurred that the vandalism was unlike anything the organization had ever encountered.
The doors to the restrooms by the river pavilion in the park were kicked in, fires were lit in all toilets, urinals, sinks and garbage cans; walls were scorched, two toilets were destroyed and the plumbing ripped from the urinals.
There is no idea of the cost for repairs and the full extent of the damage may not be realized until water to the structure is turned back on.
In the past, the door was once kicked in and someone threw firecrackers in the toilets. There have been a few cases of spray paint on structures, incidents described as more mischievous than malicious. This level of destruction is expected to have a hefty price tag.
It is an unplanned-for expense, and there is a need to figure out where that money comes from. There is uncertainty whether insurance will cover it at this point.
If insurance does not come through, the money for repairs will likely have to be pulled away from other budgets of the park.
The incident was reported to the Sheriff’s Office.
Anecdotally, this sort of thing is pretty uncommon in the community, according to law enforcement. This is being treated as a criminal mischief charge.
The definition of criminal mischief is when, for no legitimate purpose, a person causes damage to the property of another. That classification affects the amount of potential jail time and the size of the fine.
The sheriff’s office is asking for the community’s help in determining when the incident occurred and identifying a suspect.
Even being able to say that the damage was not present on a certain date will be helpful, it was noted.
This is not the way that the year was expected to begin.