Vandals who broke into a Harrisburg park under renovation have caused between $40,000 and $50,000 in damage, and city officials say charges are coming once the culprits are identified.
Mayor Wanda Williams announced Tuesday (April 1) that someone climbed over a six-to-seven-foot fence surrounding the park near 7th and Radnor streets and went on a destructive spree. The vandals uprooted about 50 plants that had just been planted the day before, ripped up rubber fall protection on the playground, carved into the cement, and scattered food and trash across the benches. The mayor noted the vandals even left their initials on the sidewalk.
The park is part of a broader city effort. It was one of four Harrisburg parks selected to receive upgrades funded by a $13 million grant. The renovation is expected to be complete around May 1 or May 2, and city officials say the damage could push that timeline or drain funds meant to improve the space.
The mayor said this is the fourth or fifth time the park has been hit. In response, the city is adding extra locks to the fence and plans to install cameras within the next two weeks.
Williams appealed directly to parents and community members to stay out of the park until the work is done. "Don't vandalize something that's going to be good for you in the future," she said. "We put almost millions and millions of dollars into this park, and we want to upgrade it for you and your kids so they have a place to play and be active during the day."
She also issued a warning to parents: "If you don't keep them out, we're now going to put cameras there, and we are going to go against the parents who let their kids come in here."
Once identified, those responsible will face charges. The mayor said the city is actively working to determine who is responsible, pointing to the initials left at the scene as a potential lead.