Rockford Needs Help To Save Parks From Disgusting Vandals

Several Rockford Park District parks have been destroyed by vandals this summer, and now the park district is asking for the community's help to stop the destruction.

Rockford Parks Need Our Help

My brother works for the Rockford Park District and he recently told me that several parks throughout Rockford have been destroyed by vandals this summer. At first I thought he might have been exaggerating how terrible the damage is because he is mad, but then I saw these pictures and my temper started flaring too...

This is absolutely ridiculous and a total slap in the face to the community. In the last several years the Rockford Park District has had to make major cuts and we've lost valuable programs due to budget constraints, and now they have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to fix what a handful of disrespectful fools have done?!? I'm sure the vandals couldn't care less, but we certainly do!

A press release from the Rockford Park District says;

Graffiti, playground equipment damage, and other destruction of park district property has taken place at a variety of locations. Locations significantly impacted include Highland Park, Churchill Park, and Dahlquist Park in Rockford. Minor vandalism also occurred at Martin Park, Shorewood Park, and Mercyhealth Sportscore One in Loves Park. The Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge in Rockford also experienced a massive amount of graffiti damage and was closed off.

Guys, to remove the graffiti from the Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge will cost around $12,000 alone!

This is unacceptable. Our parks are supposed to be places where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves, but what can we do to stop it?

Obviously, we shouldn't go on hunt to find the vandals ourselves, but if you see something, report it immediately to the Rockford Park District Police non-emergency line at 815-966-2900 or call 911 if you spot someone currently in the act. Please!