August 9, 2023 |
Photo – Vandalized Park Restroom – Courtesy City of Rawlins
Vandals continue to damage public restrooms and playground equipment at Rawlins parks.
On Monday afternoon, the city of Rawlins issued a statement about a rash of vandalism at public facilities. Parks and Recreation Director Jason Sehon said Bolton Park on the corner of East Davis and Washington Streets has seen the most damage. Sehon said vandals have flushed debris down the toilets on several occasions. The parks and rec director said shutting the restrooms down at the popular outdoor location is inconvenient for residents and extra work for parks department staff.
Sehon said the Bolton Park restrooms may be closed for several days while crews repair the damage. The parks and rec director said clearing the blockage takes city workers away from maintaining the city’s green spaces.
Sehon said the vandals are flushing gravel and wood mulch down the toilets at Bolton Park. The parks and rec director said it’s not easy to remove the clogs. Sehon said the damage could require extensive work to repair.
Sehon said the city may have to take drastic measures to protect city property if the vandalism doesn’t stop. The parks directors said if the damage becomes too costly, the restrooms may be permanently closed due to the action of a few misguided individuals.
Sehon said graffiti is another issue impacting public places. The parks director said city staff try to cover up the crude language and images quickly to discourage further defacement.
Police Chief Mike Ward said he doesn’t have any suspects. Chief Ward said that he hopes that someone comes forward with a tip. The police chief said residents should not post tips on the RPD’s social media page.
Chief Ward said no security camera footage of the vandalism appears to exist. The parks aren’t monitored by cameras and no residents have come forward with video of the event.
Chief Ward said more officers are guarding the park, but the vandalism hasn’t stopped.
Parks and Recreation Director Sehon said it is sad that a few bad actors are ruining people’s access to the public restrooms. Sehon said he is confident that the vandalism will end soon.
Chief Ward said to call the Rawlins Police Department at 328-4530 with any information about the vandalism.
