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Masonic Memorial Park manager asks city to expedite security after wellhead vandalized; nonprofit reports $60,000 damage
Summary
Terry Harper, general manager of Masonic Memorial Park, reported to the Tumwater City Council on June 3 that vandals destroyed components of the park’s commercial wellhead on May 23, leaving the nonprofit facing roughly $60,000 in repairs and elevated summer fire risk.
Terry Harper, general manager of Masonic Memorial Park, told the Tumwater City Council on June 3 that vandals broke into and severely damaged the park’s commercial wellhead on the night of May 23, leaving the nonprofit without irrigation water and requiring immediate repairs.
Harper said park staff discovered the damage on May 24 when they found the well had been stripped of components. He estimated the cost to restore the system at about $60,000. Harper described the cemetery and park as a long‑standing nonprofit that operates on roughly $400,000 annually and reinvests all revenue into park maintenance; he said about 80% of the budget goes to labor. Harper warned that, without functioning irrigation, the park faces a heightened fire risk during summer events and the July 4 celebration. "If I can't get irrigation in my park, I can't have people up there for fourth of July because 1 child with a sparkler will burn that entire neighborhood down," Harper said.
Harper said the park owns a narrow strip of land down to the brewery complex where the wellhead sits and described the neighboring property as neglected and prone to trespass. He asked whether health, fire or police authorities could help expedite securing the facility and clearing hazardous conditions at the adjacent property. Harper introduced Justin Lash (grounds supervisor) and Lindy Lindsey Anderson (assistant manager for operations) who were with him at the meeting.
Council members acknowledged the report and staff told Harper they had his contact information and would follow up. At least one council member asked staff to arrange a sit‑down meeting to review details.
Ending: Harper requested further meetings with staff and council to discuss options for expedited enforcement and site control; staff indicated they would follow up to coordinate next steps and to collect contact information for the park.
Note: This was public comment; the council did not take formal action during the meeting on this matter.
