Taber Skateboard Park vandalized by graffiti

On the July 28 weekend, the Taber Skate Park “bowl” was once again spray painted with graffiti and profanities by unknown culprits.

According to the Taber Police Service, the matter was reported to a patrol officer who was flagged down on July 29.

The damage occurred over the night of July 28.  

“The damage consists of what can be described as ‘graffiti art’ and other crudities. The culprits would have spent considerable time hidden in the bowl to do so much damage,” said Alf Rudd, TPS police chief.

Rudd noted graffiti isn’t a large problem in the community but seems high profile due to the very public nature of it.

“Those who enjoy the sport of skateboarding know that they are fortunate to have such a quality facility that is the envy for miles around. Serious skateboarders understand the danger posed by compromising the surface with paint, as traction is reduced and damage to the wheels occurs. Those who enjoy the park are grateful to the town for maintaining the park and performing maintenance,” said Rudd, adding it is the job of everyone who attends the park to keep it clean and be respectful.

Last Thursday, Town of Taber employees and workers from other businesses in town started cleanup and removal duties on the inappropriate graffiti spray painted on the “bowl” section of the skate park.

“I was quite concerned there because this is a repeating offence,” said Jan Seweryn, recreational facilities manager, adding in late winter the town had to also remove graffiti from the skate park.

Seweryn believes something needs to be done to curb troublesome activities happening at Confederation Park in the evenings and he hopes this recent event may trigger an anti-graffiti initiative or policy to be put in place and/or perhaps amp up security or policing at the park. Most of all, the town asks for the public’s help in putting a stop to the recent vandalism at the skate park.

“I would like to have some public involvement to properly manage this. We have very limited resources,” he said, adding the town would like input from parents and Taber youth to prevent vandalism in the future at Confederation Park and throughout the community.

Since the skate park is a public facility for youth, Seweryn noted parents and youth should be involved with the process but presently the town is doing its best to address the issue. “I strongly believe this is a joint effort.”

Should anyone have information about the incident please contact TPS at 403-223-8991 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.