Popular Midland park gets vandalized again

Vandalism at Little Lake Park in Midland, Ont. (Bill Gordon)

A popular park in Midland has recently been the target of vandalism.

Town officials say Little Lake Park was vandalized involving eight picnic tables thrown down the stairs overnight Sunday into Monday.

The extent of the damage includes two boards the Town says needed replacement.

Officials say this isn’t the first time the park has been at the centre of vandalism.

Past instances of vandalism, according to the Town, mostly involved stacking or moving the tables, including one instance when some of the tables were dismantled, but luckily, not broken or damaged beyond repair.

“Vandalism in our beautiful Little Lake Park is getting out of hand,” says Midland Mayor Bill Gordon.

He says he has requested increased police patrol in the town’s parks and is exploring the idea of private security and surveillance options. These security measures and repairs for damages, Gordon says, will increase the Town’s budget and taxes.

Parks staff were cleaning up the mess while there was a police presence also at the park Monday morning.

“We have been made aware of the current mischief complaints and have increased patrols in the affected areas and are working with the Town on solutions,” the OPP says.

The Town says staff are currently figuring out the total cost of the damage.

Gordon encourages the public to report any suspicious activity to CrimeStoppers.

Little Lake Park is a 37-hectare community park surrounding the lake that has a beach, boating, splash pad, sports amenities and a dog park.