Vandalism at Skate Park Leaves Skaters Out In The Cold, Again

Driving around Windsor Locks this past weekend, you may have seen an increase in skateboarders forced to use local parking lots and driveways to practice their skills. One of the reasons could be that their favorite hangout, the skate park at Windsor Locks High School, has been closed again due to vandalism. 

This is the the park has had to be closed since it opened in 2011. The current incident should be cleaned up by the end of today.

When asked on Friday how they felt about the vandalism, three skaters, Scott Levy, Malcolm Maxwell and Chris Block, said they were, "kinda mad." 

"[We're being punished for] some dumb people who want to do stuff to our park," Block, 18, said. 

Maxwell and Levy, both of East Windsor, shared Block’s frustration and said that they are missing out on their favorite pastime because of someone else's misbehavior.

During a March 2012 Police Commission meeting, the group decided unanimously to purchase security cameras for the park to help deter and possibly prevent further vandalism and misuse of what Police Commissioner Kevin Brace said is "one of the most used park facilities that we have in Windsor Locks."

"The cameras are going to go up shortly," Brace said.

"Perhaps within a month," added Acting Chief Chester DeGray, who went on to explain that the department is soliciting bids for video system and that once a firm is selected the installation of the cameras will happen quickly.

For now, a camera is will be installed in the left-hand corner of the skate park and will be equipped to film at night. Police will monitor the camera feed. According to Brace, the funds are already approved.

How do the skaters feel about the security system? 

"Good," said Block. "If it keeps people from damaging the park, that's fine with me."

The skate park is scheduled to reopen on today.