Brazil park vandalism upsets city

BRAZIL, Ind. (WTHI) - Clay County authorities are looking for answers after someone vandalized parks in Brazil.

City officials say the damages will cost thousands of dollars to fix.

Park superintendent Bill Houck has been working at Forest Park for eight years. He says the acts of vandalism are upsetting.

"Well, yeah, it’s hard to do a lot of work on things and have someone come in and destroy it. It’s demoralizing,” said Bill Houck, park superintendent.    

In recent weeks, park workers say someone has vandalized Forest Park, Wheeler Park and Craig Park.

The damage: broken windows, playground equipment and picnic tables. Park workers also found graffiti in restroom areas. They say someone even ripped plumbing right from the bathroom walls.

Park officials estimate the damage costs over $2,000.

"And, unfortunately, we have a lot of teenagers that have been spending a lot of time over here, which is fine, if they would just be nice with the equipment and everything,” said Houck.    

The Brazil Parks and Recreation Board decided to take a proactive stance.

They are working with the Brazil Police Department to see what can be done.

 Police up patrols when they hear of vandalism and the board is also installing more security cameras in the parks at over $160 a pop.

But what city leaders are most concerned about is the children. They don't want anyone to be scared.

"We want our parents that have small children and grandparents that want to bring their smaller children over here to play, we don’t want them to be frightened,” said Ruthann Jeffries, board president.

The park board and employees have one plea. They want the community to help.

"The mayor has appealed to the citizens, the park board has appealed to the citizens, please be our eyes and ears,” said Jeffries.

They ask if anyone sees vandalism going on, call the police department. Officials want to make the park safe and clean for every family.

The board and police department might impose an age limit on city park playgrounds. This is in order to keep unwanted behavior away from children.