Vandals target playground

17 January 2014

A $45,000 piece of equipment at Te Awamutu playground was extensively and deliberately damaged by vandals over the Christmas break.

The playground in Pioneer Park was only completed six months ago thanks to donations from local businesses and fundraising by the playground committee. Money was also received from Waipa District Council.

Council's manager community facilities Tony Roxburgh said the damage to a well- used and loved playground was expensive and required significant work to repair.

Vandals had smashed clamps holding a 700kg rope ball which was difficult to reposition. The damaged section of the playground was cordoned off until repair work was carried out last week.

These thugs have gone to significant effort to smash the clamps which would have caused a lot of noise over a period of time. If anyone has information about who might have caused this damage they should contact the local police station, Mr Roxburgh said.

This wanton vandalism isn't what we want in our towns and these people need to be stopped. The community has worked hard for this playground and doesn't deserve this kind of treatment.

ends

For further information please contact

Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of Council)

027 5077 599