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Roaring Spring Playground Hit by Vandals

Cherry Street Park in Roaring Spring has been victimized by ongoing acts of vandalism and Borough Manager Lisa Peel is asking for help to put an end to it.

At the Roaring Spring Borough Council's regular monthly meeting on June 11, Peel told council that the park has been vandalized numerous times since the beginning of summer, with playground equipment being damaged and litter thrown around the park grounds.

Peel said some of the swings, which are made of hard plastic and thick rubber material, have been damaged to such an extent that whoever did it took some time to ensure they couldn't be salvaged.

"It took some work to do this much damage," Peel said.

Maintenance Supervisor Wyatt Simington showed council a baby swing that had been cut apart. Simington said the damage isn't limited to playground equipment. He said benches built in 2018 by then Central High School Senior Andrew James for his Eagle Scout project have also been damaged.

Council President Rodney Green said the borough could explore installing cameras at the park, but Peel said it's not as simple as buying cameras and putting them up. She said the borough would need to have a Wi-Fi signal for the cameras to record activity, which would be a monthly cost.

Peel said she would like borough police officers to stop and chat with people in the park. Peel said that would establish a police presence that could deter illegal activity while also promoting goodwill between the police and the community.

"If they happen to see kids in the park, maybe get out and talk to them," Peel said.

Peel said she would also like the community to keep an eye out when at the park or even when driving by.

"The community could be a big help by looking out for the park and taking notice of anything going on," she said.

Since becoming borough manager, Peel has been strong advocate of community programs and promoting recreation in the borough. She said the costs of vandalism is not only financial, but also in the loss of a safe place for kids to play.

Switching to some brighter borough news, Peel said the free family swim nights at the Hershberger Memorial Pool in Martinsburg will be held on July 19, 20, and Aug. 2,9, and 16, from 7:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. The free family swim nights are open to all Roaring Spring Borough residents. Peel said Roaring Spring residents are welcome to bring guests who reside outside the borough. Those participating will be asked to show identification at the pool entrance. All children under the age of 18 must be always accompanied by an adult.

Additionally, the borough is paying for swimming lessons for children of borough residents. Parents can call 793-2176 or email the park at chuck@morrisonscovememorialpark.org for information on how to register and for times and dates of the lessons. Proof of residency will be required at the time of registration.

Spring Dam Weekend will be held on Saturday, Aug. 6, with a free community picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 7 with the Sonny Steward pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., followed by a community worship.

 

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