Westminster : Vandalism at Parks Up by More Than 65%

The amount of vandalism in city parks has risen by more than 65% over the last year, according to a study by the Community Services and Recreation Commission.

The major increase has been in graffiti scrawled in bathrooms, Community Services director Sam Migliazzo said.

In the first 10 months of 1985, vandals caused more than $12,500 worth of damage, compared to about $7,500 for the same period in 1984, Migliazzo said.

Of the city’s 19 parks, four of which have a full array of recreation equipment, Sigler, Buckingham, Park West Park and Bolsa Chica have been hit heaviest by vandals, incurring an estimated $9,000 in repairs this year.

Damage at parks with a smaller number of facilities has been minimal, Migliazzo said. Vandalism included torn tennis nets, cut swings, ripped trees and extensive restroom damage, he said.

The department donates paint to civic groups who volunteer to repaint graffiti-covered walls but is not planning to add any other programs to repair damage caused by vandals, Migliazzo said.