Several city parks were damaged in a series of vandalism incidents over the first week of January, prompting repairs, police reports, and added security efforts, according to a memo sent to the mayor and city council.
Parks and Recreation officials say the incidents ranged from graffiti and broken donation boxes to a vehicle crashing into a park gate and a restroom fire that caused significant damage.
Oxbow Nature Study Area
The most severe incident occurred early on New Year’s Day at Oxbow Nature Study Area. Surveillance video captured a vehicle driving into the park’s closed access gate around 3:35 a.m., bending the gate frame and damaging its locking mechanism. City Security reported the incident, and city staff completed repairs a few days later.
Double Diamond Park
At Double Diamond Park, maintenance crews discovered damage to the restroom building on January 1. Officials say someone appeared to force entry into the winterized and locked restrooms. Locks were broken and taped open, door hinges and automatic closers were removed, and propane heaters were found inside. Staff believe the restroom was being used as temporary shelter. Crews secured the doors and are now working on modifications to prevent similar break-ins.
Horseman’s Park
On January 2, Allied Security reported a broken clothing donation box at Horseman’s Park. The contents appeared to have been stolen. Security observed suspects leaving in a brown Chevy Blazer but was unable to capture the Nevada license plate number. City staff plan to coordinate with the donation center to address the damage.
Teglia’s Paradise Park
Later that week, Park Rangers found fire damage inside a restroom near the playground at Teglia’s Paradise Park. One interior stall was severely burned, with the fire believed to have started on a baby changing station, which was completely destroyed. While the rest of the restroom fixtures were not damaged, officials say extensive cleaning and decontamination are required before the facility can reopen.
Graffiti at two parks
Graffiti was also reported at two locations. On January 5, staff found spray-painted graffiti on the back side of the basketball court mural wall at Barbara Bennett Park. That same day, graffiti was discovered on the monument sign near the east entrance of Idlewild Park. In both cases, online police reports were filed and city crews quickly painted over the vandalism…