Rockford parks experience ‘unprecedented’ vandalism, costing thousands

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Rockford Park District has experienced an “unprecedented level” of vandalism across multiple area parks this summer.

According to the Park District, graffiti, playground equipment damage, and other destruction of property has occurred at Highland Park, Churchill Park, and Dahlquist Park in Rockford. Minor vandalism also occurred at Martin Park, Shorewood Park, and Mercyhealth Sportscore One in Loves Park.

The Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge was closed to remove graffiti damage, at a cost of $12,000.

The park district said most of the Highland Park playground, at 3011 Rural Street, has been closed off due to damage to the playground turf, requiring the relocation of the Time2Play free summer program to be relocated to Bloom Park.

“It will cost the Park District tens of thousands of dollars to fix this unique playground surfacing and replace a playground piece that was destroyed, ” the park district said in a statement.

“This has been the worst damage because this has been torn up at least a couple of times this summer. So and then this last time, it was just a real mess,” said Park District Police Detective Lisa Hodges. “This is a malicious act, whoever’s doing this. This is on purpose. There’s no reason for it.”

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