Park District Vandalized With Graffiti

Each year the Darke County Park District spends literally thousands of dollars battling vandalism in the form of graffiti. Recently several parks in Darke County have been vandalized by what seems to be one particular individual. “This graffiti has caused well over one thousand dollars in damages to park signs, kiosks, map boxes, and benches. It will take well over a week of time from maintenance staff and materials to clean the graffiti from these surfaces,” Director of Darke County Parks, Roger Van Frank stated. Van Frank continued that “a modest reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible is being offered.”

Pictured is the sign at Chestnut Street Marsh, also known as the walk-in entrance to Shawnee Prairie Preserve, which was recently repainted and a new interpretive sign made. The cost of this sign alone is almost one thousand dollars, and the funding for most of the Park District’s interpretive signage is awarded through local grants. “It is a real shame to see this type of destructive activity when so many work to keep the parks open and inviting to visitors,” Van Frank lamented. He also requests that if anyone has information on this vandalism to please contact the park office at 548-0165. A police report has been made with the local authorities.