By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
While Bowling Green saw an increase in park patrons during the pandemic, it also saw a spike in park vandalism.
Kristin Otley, director of parks and recreation for the city, reported Tuesday evening that the “huge uptick” in vandalism has created the need for increased security measures at the parks.
The five-year master plan that Otley presented Tuesday to the parks and recreation board, includes plans for more security cameras in the parks and timed locks on the restrooms. The locks will engage when the parks close every day.
Last month, the city reported that repeated vandalism of some restrooms in City Park had resulted in the bathrooms being closed to the public. The restrooms by the skatepark have been closed until city officials can find a way to stop vandalism of those facilities, said Bowling Green Public Services Director Joe Fawcett.
According to Fawcett, the restrooms have been vandalized frequently with feces and with soap dispensers being ripped off walls.
“It’s been a continual issue in the park this year,” Fawcett said.
Otley also reported that while the new Veterans Building was rented out this past weekend, some skateboarders came in and began skateboarding in the building.
Otley said she suspected TikTok has had an impact on the increased vandalism.
“The whole TikTok thing has increased that,” she said.
Bowling Green Police Division has increased patrols in the park.
“They will figure this out. They will figure out the pattern,” Otley said.
As a possible short-term answer, the city placed an ADA-accessible porta-potty next to the skatepark. The skatepark restroom will remain open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 to 11 a.m.
“We felt it was necessary to give people an option,” Fawcett said. But the porta-potty has also been vandalized, he said.
Fawcett said city officials want to provide restrooms, since the parks are used year-round.
“We understand the frustration of not having the bathrooms open,” he said.
At a Bowling Green City Council meeting last month, the option of putting cameras outside the restrooms was discussed.
“We’re asking for the public’s patience,” while the city finds solutions to the ongoing vandalism, Fawcett said. “This is a public park and we want everyone to enjoy it.”
Otley asked that the public report vandalism in the parks to the police or park staff.
“The parks are there for everyone. This is not fair to the public,” she said.
