Winter Haven officials outline steps after skate‑park graffiti and disruption

City staff told the Winter Haven City Commission they inspected the municipal skate park the morning after concerns were raised at a prior meeting and are pursuing multiple measures to address graffiti, vandalism and user safety.

"Immediately following that meeting, I had a number of staff inspect the skate park the following morning," the city manager said, describing an inspection on July 29. Staff reported no visible graffiti at that time because tags had been painted over, but that painted-over surfaces can become slick; an adult skater told staff the city should evaluate different paint types because traditional paint “creates a little slicker environment that doesn't have a textured grip,” the manager said.

The city manager said the police department, at Chief Monroe's direction, has increased surveillance with multiple daily visits to the site and urged users to contact police if they observe issues. Staff are also exploring lighting options—including programmable solar lighting—wide‑angle camera systems that could run off existing fiber or cellular service, additional benches and seating, the feasibility of fencing, and alternatives to a built water fountain such as a vandal‑resistant vending machine dispensing water.

These items were presented as options rather than final decisions. City staff said they will do additional due diligence on costs, infrastructure needs and proximity to fiber before proposing specific installations. No ordinance, budget appropriation or formal commission action on the skate-park measures was recorded at the meeting.

Why it matters: the skate park is a public facility used by residents; the city framed responses as a mix of maintenance, equipment choices and policing to reduce vandalism and improve safety.

Next steps: staff will continue technical and cost evaluation and report back to the commission; police will continue increased site visits.