Park vandalism costs county taxpayers plenty

King County asks for public's help in curbing senseless crime

2005 Archived News

It's the kind of scene that makes you shake your head. A public restroom in King County's Big Finn Hill Park smashed to pieces by vandals. Not far from the restroom, another dismal scene – a natural area damaged and scarred by mountain bike riders installing jumps.

It's a sight that's becoming all too common. Every summer defaced property in our King County parks adds up to an ugly, expensive problem.

Last year, it cost county taxpayers more than $21,000 to clean up property damage left behind by vandals. A total of 36 different sites were hit. Damage ranged from defaced signs to completely destroyed facilities. It took county parks crews more 519 labor hours to repair the damage.

"It adds up and it's discouraging because we work hard to keep our trails and parks attractive and safe," said Bobbi Wallace, Park Resource Section Manager. "They are supposed to be places where children and families can come and enjoy themselves. I can't imagine why anyone would want to destroy public property just for fun."

But there is a way to defend our parks and everyone can help. Park Watch Patrols are a great first line defense.

Park Watch Patrols are simply an expansion of a successful neighborhood watch program. Citizens who see vandalism can call one number to report it. That number is: 206-296-4232. Timely, relevant information like times, dates places, and license plate numbers, etc., is key it catching vandals.

"Through organizing our watchful eyes out there, we can reduce the cost and loss of recreational amenities," said Wallace "We will connect those who want this type of behavior to stop with staff that truly are invested and care about the parks they manage. Together we will send a clear, strong message that vandalism will not be tolerated in the King County Parks. If vandals are caught we will pursue prosecution."

Penalties for vandalism can range from a simple misdemeanor to a Class B felony, with fines and jail time possible for severe cases.

In some cases, vandalism does more than destroy public facilities. It can inflict long term damage to our natural resources and habitat.

"We had a recent situation where a citizen reported seeing a person illegally dump truck loads of debris, including manure at Bingamon Pond," said Wallace. "It's really sad because the wetlands there are very ecologically sensitive. Its also part of the Green River Watershed, one of the county's highest priority salmon watersheds. We were really fortunate that this community member was watching over the park and called in with good information.

To find our more about the Park Watch Patrols, please call 206-296-4248. Help us keep your parks safe, clean and free of vandalism. Keep your eyes on the properties like they were your own, because they are.

King County manages 25,389 acres of parks, pools, open space, natural land and trails. This includes 68 baseball fields, 61 soccer fields, four pools, 88 picnic areas, 34 playgrounds, 27 tennis courts, 13 boat launch sites, more than 175 miles of trails, six fishing piers, four community gardens, a climbing rock and velodrome, the region's best off leash dog park and the world class Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center.