Vandalism continues at spray park bathroom

By Greg Price
Taber Times
gprice@tabertimes.com

Frustration continues to build among members of the Taber Recreation Board upon hearing of further vandalism to the washroom facilities at the Taber Spray Park during the information/recreation report portion of its meeting on Oct. 6.

“We did have some extra vandalism on the washrooms. It wasn’t good. They ripped the change tables right off the wall and plugged the toilets with pop bottles. There is some damage there for sure,” said Aline Holmen, director of recreation, to the recreation board, adding both the spray park and bathroom have been closed for the season.

“Trent (Smith, recreation manager) and I are meeting with the Taber Police Service to look at some ways to mitigate that going forward. For the budget for 2017, we have put in for some CCTV cameras, we will see if that gets approved or not. That is something we are highly recommending for that area along with lighting.”

Leaning back in his chair with arms crossed, chairperson for the Taber Recreation Board, Luke Wijna’s body language told it all with the anger of the board in general over the senseless vandalism of the community-minded project of the Taber Spray Park.

“Something has to be done there. This is frustrating. The sad thing about this, is we catch the buggars, they’ll probably get a slap on the wrist,” said Wijna.

Danielle Hansen, recreation board vice-chairperson, inquired if users of the neighbouring skateboard park have been approached to help keep a look out for any potential vandals.

“They use that bathroom too and they don’t want to see it get vandalized either. Can they keep an eye out?” questioned Hansen.

“They have been approached. I think once we get into discussions further with the Taber police, they have some good ideas, there will be ways to stop that from happening,” said Holmen. “It’s great that they want to work with us to prevent this from happening again.”