Protecting Parks from Vandalism
Even beautiful, well-maintained parks can be the target of vandalism. Park bathrooms, pavilions, and playground equipment are among a long list of recipients under the torment of vandals.
Some vandals are youth that are bored and find a dark entertainment from committing thoughtless mischievous acts. There is also the lone wolf or the angry mob the wishes to inflict harm to the public park. Regardless of the reason, when a park shows signs of neglect other more serious crimes like drugs, prostitution, and gang violence besiege and penetrate the neighborhood.
Ideally, communities need to partner with their local police and park rangers to combat the dangers that infiltrate their public parks. Shutting down a park to avoid protecting and maintaining a park is not an option, because safe clean parks are essential to the over all well being of the community. Multiple studies have been conducted and show protected parks enhance the property values of the nearby homes and add to the physical and mental health to the residents.
Unfortunately, keeping the vandals out of parks is difficult.
To stop vandalism, graffiti, and theft at your park certain measures must be in place:
- 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
Safe parks are essential to the well being of the community and should be protected from vandalism to keep the park safe.
