Another vandalism attack on one of Cambridge’s newest playgrounds will cost ratepayers thousands of dollars in repairs.
Damage at the Terry Came Drive playground was discovered yesterday morning. The artistic wall wrap had been ripped off the toilet, a dozen established plants torn out of the garden and the BBQ had been turned on with rubbish and plants on top.
Community services manager Brad Ward said it was extremely disheartening to see deliberate and repeated vandalism in this new subdivision.
“The toilet will need to be completely rewrapped and is estimated to cost ratepayers up to $15,000 alone.”
In December last year, a fire was lit burning the safety surfacing, plants were ripped out, and an attempt was made to burn the water fountain.
“This is a community space that is loved and used by tamariki, parents and grandparents. This damage impacts and costs the whole community.”
A few weeks earlier Council staff cleaned off a shoe that had been burnt to the BBQ surface.
“The BBQ has been misused too many times recently, so we are turning it off until spring when the weather is nicer for outdoor eating, and to prevent any further immediate damage or fires,” Ward said.
“We are also investigating the possibility of installing security cameras at the park but in the meantime, we really hope the community will be our eyes and ears to help prevent any further damage.”
The Police have been notified and anyone who sees vandalism occurring should phone the Police on 111 and pass on identifying details. Alternatively, if the offenders are no longer on site, the information can be passed to Police using their 105 number and website.
