Keep Parks Free from Vandalism
Parks are essential and should be protected from Vandalism. Imagine your favorite childhood playground. What comes to mind when you picture it? More than likely, you reminisce over fond childhood memories like gliding down a shiny, bright red slide and flying high on the chain-link swing. Maybe even jumping off to see how far you’ll land. You probably do not think about broken-down park benches and swear words scratched into the play equipment. However, sadly for the community, this is what some parks have become. It takes large amounts of money to fix damages done to parks and ensure a continual beauty of recreation sites.
In Louisville, KY, a 2015 report showed that there have been nearly $400,000 worth of damages done to city parks. This problem has gotten worse. Among the damages are vandalism, graffiti, and theft. A common occurrence that Louisville parks face is stolen trash cans. Thieves can make around $3 for reselling a metal trash can, whereas it costs parks $10 or more to replace. This seemingly small number adds up to a sum that could be used towards city events or updating community gathering areas.
Unfortunately, vandalism and destruction are fates public places regularly face, but there are ways to stop the damage and costs that parks encounter daily.
To stop vandalism, graffiti, and theft at your park you must:
- Make sure there is adequate lighting
- Create activities and programs that involve the community
- Have Site Managers
- Display Maps at entrances and walk routes
- Have Security Measures in place, such as Park Vandalism Cameras
- Clean up all vandalism and graffiti immediately
- Maintain safety measures for the park and all park equipment
Accepting the ruin of community recreational sites is not an option. Protect your community and maintain a safe and beautiful park.
