Pioneer shelter window smashed and Ashwaubomay park damaged; staff boards window, orders repairs and proposes entrance camera

Parks staff reported two separate security incidents at village parks and described immediate repairs and proposed deterrents.

Rex told the board that vandals at Pioneer Park pulled concrete squares that anchor stanchions at Diamond No. 3, attempted to remove home plate and threw a concrete block through a north‑side shelter window, damaging door handles. Staff boarded the window, brought in replacement glass and ordered new panic bars and exterior hardware. Minor roof venting was also bent and repaired in‑house, and exterior security lighting was upgraded. Rex said a police report was filed and village staff reviewed school‑district camera footage but have not identified suspects.

Separately, Rex reported recurring vehicle damage at Ashwaubomay Park from people driving four‑wheelers across turf and spinning tires. “It happens at Ashwaubomay enough on a yearly basis that it kind of makes sense at Ashwaubomay,” Rex said, and the board discussed installing a camera at the park entrance (rather than cameras at every park) to capture vehicle entry and narrow suspects; members weighed the cost of equipment, monitoring and monthly fees against repair costs.

Board members asked staff to continue repairs and monitoring. No formal enforcement action or procurement decisions were made at the meeting; Rex said staff will continue coordinating with public safety and may include a camera proposal in future budget requests if the board wishes to pursue it.

What’s next: Staff to complete Pioneer shelter repairs, monitor vandalism trends, coordinate with police on investigations, and return with a camera cost/benefit estimate if the board requests one.