Vandalism at Multiple Neighborhood Parks Closes Down Select Amenities and Will Cost Thousands of Dollars to Repair
ROCKFORD, IL – This summer, several Rockford Park District parks and recreational resources have been vandalized at an unprecedented level. Graffiti, playground equipment damage, and other destruction of park district property has taken place at a variety of locations. Locations significantly impacted include Highland Park, Churchill Park, and Dahlquist Park in Rockford. Minor vandalism also occurred at Martin Park, Shorewood Park, and Mercyhealth Sportscore One in Loves Park. The Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge in Rockford also experienced a massive amount of graffiti damage and was closed off. Removal of graffiti on the pedestrian bridge will cost the Rockford Park District roughly $12,000.
A massive renovation of Highland Park, 3011 Rural Street, Rockford took place in 2016 where the Park District completed $350,000 of enhancements selected by neighborhood residents. Currently playground surfacing at Highland Park is in such disrepair that most of the playground is now closed off and the Time2Play free summer playground program is being relocated to Bloom Park. It will cost the Park District tens of thousands of dollars to fix this unique playground surfacing and replace a playground piece that was destroyed. “When park property is damaged, it is your tax dollars that help pay for the repairs. We are asking for you to help be our eyes and ears. Protect your park by reporting vandalism. With everyone watching, vandalism and criminal activities won't stand a chance in our parks,” said Rockford Park District Police Chief Theo Glover. Park District police are also implementing a variety of policing strategies to help curb vandalism.
For the last several years, the Rockford Park District has been focused on increased investment in neighborhood parks, a community-driven priority. Continued vandalism means investment dollars must be utilized instead to cover repair costs or graffiti removal. If you see something, say something! If you see any suspicious activity or a crime in progress, contact Rockford Police immediately by calling 815-966-2900 (non-emergency number) or 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. If you have a tip that might lead to an arrest, you can also call Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867 or 888-769-7867 (STOP.)