Residents of Paradise, Missouri, voiced growing concerns over increased vandalism and traffic issues at Sailboat Cove during a recent government meeting. Tiffany Reed, a local resident, highlighted a significant rise in recreational traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to littering, property damage, and disturbances in the area.

Reed noted that the absence of park rangers, who previously locked park gates at night, has contributed to a surge in after-hours activity, including littering and vandalism. She reported daily sightings of trash, including beer bottles and food containers, and described instances of individuals driving vehicles recklessly on park grounds. The situation has escalated to graffiti appearing in the park, further alarming residents.

Her husband, Robert Reed, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the lack of police response to disturbances and the need for increased security measures. He mentioned that the local sheriff's department had been unresponsive to his calls regarding nighttime activities, which he described as a safety hazard due to the narrow roads and lack of pedestrian pathways.

Both Tiffany and Robert Reed urged local authorities to consider reinstating park gate locks and installing security cameras to deter vandalism. They also suggested implementing traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, to address the dangers posed by speeding vehicles in the area.

The Reeds, along with other concerned residents, are advocating for immediate action to restore safety and cleanliness to Sailboat Cove, a popular recreational area that has become increasingly problematic.