SKATE PARK SCANDAL
Vandalism outrages McNamara
The Tecumseh Skate Park is temporarily closed, and the town’s mayor is “outraged” after vandals struck over the long weekend. “To say we are disappointed is an understatement,” Mayor Gary McNamara said in a news release. “We are outraged that a community amenity residents requested in our Parks Plan has been damaged by the act of individuals with no respect.”
Someone vandalized the skate park, behind town hall at 917 Lesperance Rd., with spray paint, late Sunday.
The town said the skate park will remain closed until the parks and recreation department can figure out the best way to clean off the paint and protect the park from future acts of vandalism. Town officials said 40 to 50 people use the park each day. It was built in 2012. It is also home to the annual Skate & Scooter Jam in June. “The skate park is a popular location that provides safe and screenfree outdoor fun for so many of our young residents,” said McNamara. “Now they are being punished as a result of individuals who disrespected and damaged this park. This is unacceptable as my council colleagues and I have zero tolerance for these acts.” The town said it has put up fencing around the park to keep people out, and OPP have stepped up patrols.
“We are hopeful that when the park reopens, it is treated with respect,” said Paul Anthony, director of parks and recreation. “We thank the users who do so already and hope that they help us in the future to protect this park and all recreational facilities in Tecumseh.”
Anyone with information about who is responsible for the vandalism can call the OPP at 1-888-3101122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 (TIPS). You can also leave tips online at catchcrooks. com.