Vandals strike Pullman park
Parks Superintendent Alan Davis says vandalism pops up at each of Pullman's 14 parks but could be worse
Max the cement mixer, a play structure at Military Hill Park, is the most recent victim of vandalism at Pullman parks.
Parks Superintendent Alan Davis said obscene images were recently carved into the play structure, and the parks and recreation department had to remove the cement mixer from the playground to repair it.
While Max was returned to Military Hill Park on Tuesday, Davis said the repairs will run the city approximately $380.
Vandalism in Pullman's parks is not unique to Max the cement mixer.
"We are pretty fortunate not to have a lot of vandalism, but it is an issue," Davis said.
He said all city parks have their vandals, adding typically repairing damages, such as carvings, cost the department between $300 to $400 per play structure.
Davis said the most significant damages to park equipment are usually caused by older children who climb on the equipment inappropriately or scratch drawings and words into plastic park equipment.
He said Military Hill Park sees a larger population of older children who cause damage.
In an effort to stay ahead of damages, each of the parks in Pullman are checked on a weekly basis, however, with limited funding Pullman Parks and Recreation has to prioritize repairs
Davis said all parks and recreation projects, including repairs, are funded through the Metropolitan Park District, a junior taxing district that was approved by voters in September 2002. Annually, the department spends $80,000 to $100,000 from the fund, which is distributed between each of the city's 14 parks, he said.
In the past, the fund has been used to supplement other projects such as the City Playfields' walking and running track and the splash pad at Reaney Pool.
Davis said earlier this year, the Metropolitan Park District funded a new spring animal installed at Reaney Park. And this winter, the department plans use the fund to replace an old slide at the Harrison Tot Lot and possibly install a musical or climbing apparatus in its place.
In 2020, Sunnyside Park is scheduled to receive new equipment as well, Davis said, which will be also be funded through the taxing district.
The future Mary's Park will also see some new elements, including an ADA-compliant zipline, Davis said.
Katie Short can be reached at (208) 883-4633, or by email to kshort@dnews.com.
