Vandalism of park upsets community

Print Story

Email to Friend

Discuss this story

Those damaging park property could face felony charges.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

BROOKFIELD — Members of the community have put time and effort into creating and maintaining ball fields and a children's play area at Brookfield Community Park, but vandals have been putting effort into tearing it down.

Township resident Gwen Martino said efforts to create Jenny Junction Playground inside the township park began more than 10 years ago when a young girl by the name of Jennifer Boley was killed by a lightning strike. Martino's husband was also hit but survived.

"I just really felt like the Lord was telling me I needed to do something," Martino said. "I thought this [park] would be a fitting tribute because Jennifer loved kids so much."

Thus, a community-wide fund-raising effort was born.

Martino said a group of volunteers raised more than $125,000 in three years to build the play area, which contains a host of up-to-date play equipment. The park now also has a siren if lightning has been spotted in the area.

Many of those who attend or are associated with the park are now upset at the amount of vandalism, and they are hoping it is stopped.

Ray Haun, who works with little league teams at the park, said the fencing around the kids' play area has been torn down in several sections. He said pop machines have been damaged repeatedly and $2,000 worth of shrubbery planted around signs were destroyed by a four-wheel all terrain vehicle.

Lawrence Moler, township resident, said the park has been described as one of the township's greatest assets, but that doesn't stop some people from driving across the baseball fields and destroying the sod. He also said picnic table/bench combinations have had the tables torn off and a concession stand, also built with donated funds, was vandalized.

Martino said visiting the park now is sometimes a painful experience.

"It just breaks my heart," she said. "There is a piece of my heart there, and to see people have such little regard breaks my heart."

Summer problem

Chuck Thompson of the township road department said vandalism is a regular thing during the summer. He said the park's camera system doesn't cover the entire grounds.

Thompson said a group of kids was caught on camera once destroying park property, but the individuals could not be identified.

"Kids today are different than they use to be. They have no fear of anybody," he said. "They get a slap on the hand and a little community service, then come back and do it again."

Police Chief Daniel Faustino said anyone caught vandalizing the park will likely face more than a slap on the hand. He said those damaging the park could be charged with vandalism — a felony because the property is owned and controlled by a government entity.

Faustino said police officers make routine checks at the park, but residents can be of great assistance by calling the police department if they see or hear any unusual activity.

jgoodwin@vindy.com

Monday, March 12, 2007