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Park Vandalism Deterrent Program

Park Vandalism Deterrent Program

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Parks are a vital part of any community. They provide a space for people to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature. Unfortunately, these public spaces are not immune to vandalism, which can have significant economic and social costs.

According to a report by the National Parks Service, the cost of park vandalism in the United States is estimated to be around $300 million annually. This includes damage to park infrastructure, such as buildings, restrooms, and picnic areas, as well as natural resources, such as trees and plants. The cost of repairing and replacing damaged infrastructure can be significant, often requiring park officials to divert resources from other important projects.

The cost of park vandalism extends beyond just the financial impact. It also affects the social fabric of communities. Parks are meant to be shared spaces where people from all walks of life can come together. Vandalism can make these spaces feel unsafe and unwelcoming, discouraging people from using them. This can have long-term consequences, such as reduced physical activity and decreased social cohesion.

To combat park vandalism, many communities have implemented a Park Vandalism Deterrent Program, which includes Park Vandalism Cameras that are specifically designed to stop vandalism before it happens. Education and awareness campaigns are also important in promoting respect for public spaces and encouraging community members to report any suspicious activity.

It’s important to remember that preventing park vandalism is not just the responsibility of park officials or law enforcement. It’s a collective responsibility of everyone in the community. By working together, we can help to create and maintain safe, welcoming, and beautiful public spaces for all to enjoy.

In conclusion, the cost of park vandalism in the United States is significant, both financially and socially. It’s up to all of us to do our part in preventing it and promoting respect for public spaces. By investing in preventative measures and working together, we can ensure that our parks remain vibrant, welcoming, and accessible to all.

 

Tools to Protect Parks

Tools to Protect Parks

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Do you have the tools to protect your park?

Parks face daunting threats of vandalism, graffiti, and theft.  Most parks have security in place but is it enough and is the security chosen protecting your park?  Everybody likes a nice shiny new tool with the bells and whistles, but not all tools can be used for all jobs.  Tools are made specifically for a certain job. Security at your park should be the same.

Everyone knows a community needs a safe accessible park for the well-being of the children and adults alike.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of obstacles to keep the parks safe.  The National Recreation and Park Association, NRPA, does a great job in researching the planning of safe parks and supplies great tools for Park Administrators.  But safe parks don’t come easily. The safety of the park is the responsibility of the park administrators, the law enforcement, and citizens themselves.  It takes all involved to create a healthy community.

Besides, adequate lighting, activities that involve the community, and site managers to oversee, every park should have surveillance in place.  Traditional surveillance has it value and is needed but it is not designed to stop vandalism and graffiti.  Park Vandalism Cameras, specifically designed to stop quality of life crimes in parks is needed.

As you plan your park and get ready for the opening season, make sure you have the right tools to protect the park you pour your sweat and life into.

Bleachers

Stop Metal Theft in Parks

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Parks are where people go in the community to have fun and relax with friends and family. Sadly, there are people within the community who are ruining the fun by stealing metal from the parks. Unfortunately, more and more metal thefts are occurring in the United States. Parks are especially affected by this nuisance crime, and it needs to be stopped.

Parks are being targeted by thieves for the metal within the lighting systems, circuit breakers, but most surprisingly the bleachers and/or benches. Who would have thought bleachers were the target of theft?  But the bleachers are important, and this type of theft is becoming an epidemic. The community uses bleachers to enjoy the day at the park, or even to watch community ball games.  Cities are taking this issue seriously because it effects their budget.

The city must replace the bleachers that were stolen for the sole purpose of the metal, sold by the thieves as “scrap” metal. According to The Park Catalog, many states and cities have been victim to this type of crime. When bleachers are stolen it costs the city about $14,000 to replace the bleachers in the parks.

There are solutions to the problem of metal theft in parks.

Inform the community of the problem. The community is a very important asset to use to help stop metal theft. When citizens in the community are informed, they will recognize when the act of metal theft is taking place and will call to report the incident, giving information needed to prosecute.

Traditional surveillance does not stop the crime nor are images captured with the resolution needed to prosecute.   However, Park Vandalism Cameras, specifically designed to stop crimes such as graffiti, vandalism, and metal theft are essential tools in stopping this activity and providing prosecutable evidence that stands up in court.

Don’t compromise your parks, stop the metal theft.

Winter Park Vandalism

Winter Park Vandalism

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Winter is no time to slack on protecting the park from vandalism.  Other measures are taking place to protect the park during the winter, such as draining pools and winterizing the playground equipment.  But how tragic it would be to have to deal with playground or pavilion vandalism damage.

Even though parks may close or be restricted for the winter season, vandalism still occurs, and the destructive behavior does not stop. With less park attendees, vandals see this as an opportunity to trespass without being seen.  Therefore, continuing their destructive acts of vandalism and graffiti.

This subjects your facilities, which are vulnerable to thousands of dollars in vandalism or graffiti damages. As part of your park asset management and vandalism prevention program, ensure your park is protected all year round. Take proactive measures, incorporating Park Vandalism Cameras, specifically designed to stop vandalism and graffiti within parks, especially remote areas where park pavilions and playgrounds are installed.

Being proactive instead of reactive to a crime saves the park department money and preserves the safety of the overall well being of the community.

Every community deserves safe, clean parks for recreation and enjoyment.

What is your park’s department doing to protect your park during the winter?

To ensure your park’s department is ready for the spring season, a Vandalism Protect Program must be implemented.