Picnic tables at new park in Fremont vandalized
FREMONT ― The Fremont Police Department is investigating two incidents of vandalism to the new all-inclusive play park at Rodger Young Park, totaling an estimated $4,000 of damage to eight picnic tables.
“It’s very disappointing,” Police Chief Derek Wensinger said about the damage to the recently completed park. “It’s been quite a process, and there’s been a huge community push to get that park as nice as it was.”
He said that Rotary was involved in the park improvement.
“It appears playing on the tables, as kids sometimes play on playground equipment, sometimes in ways in which it was not intended,” Wensinger said. “We’re talking about $4,000 to $5,000 worth of damage, when you add up the employees' time that this will take up, and the cost of the tables. … This is a big deal.”
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Police do have security camera footage of the incidents.
The initial vandalism report came in March 18, but a review of the video history footage shows most of the vandalism seems to have taken place March 7 at 4:42 p.m. The footage shows to be two juveniles damaging three handicap-accessible picnic tables.
The first subject is described as a male with khaki pants, a grey sweatshirt and a Nike bookbag. There was also a male wearing a black sweatshirt and black-and-white plaid pants. The subjects are shown on video jumping on the tables and permanently bending the tops. Positive identification has not been made, but suspects have been interviewed, police said.
The second incident is estimated to have taken place April 20.
Between the two incidents, eight tables were damaged, six of which are handicap accessible.
The department is offering cash rewards, starting at $250, for information leading to the identification of the individuals responsible.
“We have recently seen an uptick in unacceptable and damaging activity in all of our parks," Wensinger said. "The Fremont Police Department is planning increased patrols throughout all city parks, as weather gets nicer and usage increases. However, we need your help.
“If you see someone in our city damaging the parks, please let us know. Please talk with your children who frequent the park and make sure they are being respectful of the facilities.”
419-332-2674
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: All-inclusive Park picnic tables vandalized in Fremont
