Vandals hit new Moruya playground

The vandalism came just days after the official opening of the playground on September 15, with more than $1500 in damage caused to park equipment. 

Council parks and gardens staff made the discovery last week, after vandals damaged a basket swing and a specially-designed digger for children with a disability.

Other swings were not damaged but had been wrapped over the top bar of the swing set, inconveniencing park users.

On Monday evening, vandals struck a second time, destroying the lock on the playground gate.

A council spokesperson said that while some of the damage could be repaired in-situ, further fixes were required.

“The basket swing was fixed immediately, but the digger requires more comprehensive repair and has been removed for now,” she said.

“The parks team have installed a temporary fix until one of council’s fitters can inspect and hopefully repair the digger onsite.

“If that isn’t possible, it will need to be removed and taken to the workshop for repair, which could take a few weeks.”

The damage has disappointed parks staff, who reminded the community the playground was designed for children and not young adults.

“We hope the novelty will wear off and they’ll leave the equipment alone, but it’s such a shame given the amount of work we’ve put in to see it vandalised already,” staff said.

A council spokesperson said the money to repair the damage would come out of their parks and gardens maintenance budget.

“Any vandalism is disappointing for the community. Not only is it inconvenient and an eyesore, the cost of repairs comes out of council’s budget and that’s ratepayer money and staff time that should be spent on other things,” she said.

“It’s incredibly disappointing for our employees, who take great pride in the work they do for the community.

“Our message to vandals is that we are watching and the community is watching.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Eurobodalla Shire Council.