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Council weighs cameras, closures and neighborhood strategies after vandalism at Maple Park
Summary
Council members and staff discussed repeated vandalism at Maple Park, options to add surveillance, neighborhood-watch efforts, temporary closure of facilities and fundraising to pay for cameras; staff said vendor AdTech will meet with the borough to scope surveillance options.
Columbia council members expressed concern about recurring vandalism at Maple Park and discussed steps to protect park facilities and preserve grant-funded improvements.
A council member said vandalism to restrooms and basketball courts has driven up repair costs and warned that continued damage could jeopardize Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) funding for the project. Staff reported they are scheduling a meeting with the vendor AdTech to evaluate camera options and door counters and said camera placement and monitoring logistics will be part of that conversation.
Councilors discussed a range of responses: installing higher-resolution cameras, establishing a neighborhood-watch and volunteer staffing for events, gating or temporarily closing courts if damage persists, and targeted fundraising to pay for equipment and monitoring. One member urged residents to be more vigilant and offered to help coordinate neighborhood efforts.
Council also emphasized activation of the park with more programming as a prevention measure, noting that busier parks tend to experience less vandalism. No formal funding commitment was made at the meeting; staff said they would return with cost estimates and vendor recommendations.
