"My feelings go beyond disappointment," said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara after someone drove a heavy vehicle through sportsfields at McAuliffe Park over the weekend.
"I am angry with the total lack of regard for quality public spaces," said McNamara pointing out vandals have targeted parks in Windsor, Lakeshore, Essex, and Amherstburg. "Somebody knows something, and they need to come forward."
"Taxpayers in all of our municipalities should share my outrage as they will have to pay the price for this foolish act of one or more individuals whose sense of entitlement extends to the use of parks as their personal off-road facilities."
Damage to the park is extensive. Tecumseh's Parks Department is assessing the damage and planning repairs so it can open in time for the spring start of sports activities.
"The perpetrator or perpetrators of this act spent time in the park," said Director of Parks and Recreation Paul Anthony. "Based on the damage to the fields, this vehicle was here for some time, tearing up the field...We need to stop this unacceptable practice of destroying fields and catch the person or persons responsible."
The town and the Ontario Provincial Police are working together to investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, Windsor police at 519-258-6111, or Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477. Tips can also be left online at www.catchcrooks.com. Information leading to an arrest could mean a reward of up to $2,000.
