Vandalism at Bluewater Park in Wiarton is costing the Town of South Bruce Peninsula over $17,000 to fix.
A staff report says vandalism has damaged a number of playground components.
Staff say, “The slide appears to have been struck with significant force, resulting in damage that created a sharp edge. As an immediate safety measure, Parks staff filed down the
damaged area to eliminate the sharp point and reduce the risk of injury until permanent repairs can be completed.”
Two climbing nets have also been damaged and will need to be repaired.
Councillor Kathy Durst asked if security cameras will be included in the new town hall being built by the park. Staff said there would be.
Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Ciaran Brennan said, “With the increase in vandalism we have seen in the park, it is something that I have started preliminary discussions about with the contractor that we currently have doing security cameras about our facilities. It is a joint venture that I would liaise with our CAO and our director of legislative services with as well. Typically the camera costs about $5,000 each, but we have seen a big increase in vandalism this year so it is something that we are now looking at.”
Councillor Paul Deacon noted, “I think it’s shameful that we’ve got so much vandalism down in the park to damage equipment that is there for the residents and visitors of South Bruce Peninsula.” Deacon asked about OPP surveillance of the area.
Brennan said, “We have been in open conversations with the OPP and even sent them another email this morning, just asking for additional police presence both through the park and the campground itself. In the campground we do have security on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings as well, and then I’ve extended our parks staff schedule. They now work until 11 p.m. just so we can try and keep better eyes on the park as well.”
Deputy Mayor Caleb Hull expressed disappointment repairs weren’t covered under insurance and wondered if community fundraising could be an option to help pay for park repairs.
CAO Bill Jones noted deductibles are extremely high for the Town in order to keep rates reasonable for taxpayers.
Hull added, “I think it would be a great way to bring awareness not only revenue, but awareness of us a community facing vandalism and this is the cost for vandalism and it’s coming out of your taxes, but also it’s an opportunity to bring maybe outside money, people visiting the park to pay for the park.”
Councillor Terry Bell wants more police presence in the park, and noted, “This problem is a reality and what are they going to do about it? I think they need to be reminded again that they have to interact with the public here.”
Council approved replacing the climbing nets and a section of the slide for $17,505 plus tax, to be paid out of the facilities reserve.
The Town also plans to fundraise at Thursday night concerts in Wiarton to help in fund repairs due to park vandalism.